2005 Baseball - Year In Review | |
| Coaching Staff Mike Martin, Head Coach Chip Baker, Dir of Admin & Facilities Jerrod Brown, Volunteer Assistant Mike Martin, Jr., Assistant Coach Russell Orr, Strength and Conditioning Jamey Shouppe, Associate Head Coach, Pitchers, Recruiting Coordinator  Click here to see individual mug shots |
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Barret Browning, 6-2, 185, P, Jesup, Ga. - HIGH SCHOOL: Drafted in the sixth round by the Boston Red Sox in 2002...Wayne County High School MVP his senior season...Wayne County High School Pitcher's Award...Georgia High School Dugout Club Player of the Week (2001)...JUNIOR COLLEGE: Drafted in the 26th round of the 2004 draft by the Chicago Cubs...was clocked at 91mph...SUMMER BALL: Two USSSA and one AAU National Championship with Savannah Chain...PERSONAL: Enjoys surfing, hunting, skiing, fishing and playing the guitar...born December 28, 1984...son of Gary and Cathy Browning...has two brothers (Jered and Kurt) and a sister (Roni)...major is social science.
Charles Cleveland, 6-2, 200, IF, Tampa - HIGH SCHOOL: A four-year letterman in baseball...a four-time all-county honorable mention selection...batted .380 with three homeruns and 10 doubles his senior year...named team MVP that season...junior year batted .390 with 12 doubles, two triples, three home runs and 25 RBIs...made All-Suncoast Team...tied for second in the county in RBIs...batted .412 with 29 RBIs his sophomore season...batted .459 and went 6-0 on the mound freshman year...was the winning pitcher in the district final, regional semifinal and regional final...was the starting pitcher in the state semifinal and went 3 for 3 in that game...helped lead Tampa Catholic to a state championship...made All County and All State honorable mention...SUMMER BALL: Batted .513 with 28 RBIs, four home runs and 12 doubles in 28 games...ACADEMIC: Received the 2004 Male Scholar Athlete Award for Tampa Catholic High School...PERSONAL: Major is Sports Management...born August 26, 1985...son of Dennis and Mary Kay.
D.J. Echols, 6-0, 205, P, Pensacola - PREVIOUS SCHOOL: Went 6-0 at Okaloosa-Walton before transferring to Alabama Southern...pitched 45.0 IP with 37 K and a 3.18 ERA in 2003...HIGH SCHOOL: Had over 90 strikeouts pitching at B.T. Washington in Pensacola...career ERA under 1.00...pitched a perfect game against Pensacola High School...PERSONAL: A Florida Bright Futures Scholar...loves to fish...born November 9, 1983...son of Dennis and Patti Echols...brother's name is Daniel...major is finance.
Nick Francis, 6-2, 190, IF, Tallahassee - HIGH SCHOOL: Hit .370 with 30 RBIs, 10 doubles and five home runs in 2003...back-to-back first team All-Big Bend senior year...FSWA 2004 State High School Class 4A Third Team infielder...represented District 4 in FACA all-star game...PERSONAL: Posted a 3.5 GPA his first semester at Florida State...born March 5, 1986...enrolled in FSU's undergraduate studies program.
Mark Gildea, 6-2, 200, OF, Tampa - HIGH SCHOOL: Ranked among nation's top prospects...hit .367 with a .445 OBP, 25 RBIs and went 15 of 16 on stolen base attempts in 2003...second team All-County and 5A All-State honorable mention...was the 65th ranked national prospect by Team One...Louisville Slugger pre-season first team All-American in 2004...best hitter award at 2003 Saladino Tournament...2004 All-Hillsborough County honorable mention...PERSONAL: Valedictorian of his senior class...loves to fish and listen to music...son of Jim Gildea and Beth Brookfield...brother's name is Stephen...mother attended Florida State...born January 11, 1986....majoring in athletic training/sports medicine.
Dennis Guinn, 6-0, 200, IF, Winter Haven - HIGH SCHOOL: A two-time first team All-State player in both 4A and 1A...District 5A Player of the Year and a second team All-State selection as a junior...high school team was state runner up his senior year when he hit .476 with six home runs and 52 RBIs...as a junior batted .480 with seven home runs and 49 RBIs...sophomore year hit .535 with seven home runs and 56 RBIs...PERSONAL: Born August 2, 1985...sister's name is Brittany...enrolled in FSU's undergraduate studies program.
Bryan Henry, 6-3, 190, P-IF, Tallahassee - PREVIOUS SCHOOL: Went 6-5 with a 2.90 ERA at North Florida Community College in Madison, FL...struck out 79 batters and issued just 12 walks in 90 innings pitched...also played third and first...hit .386 with 40 RBIs and 5 home runs...second-team All-Panhandle Con-ference selection as a freshman...HIGH SCHOOL: A three-year starter at Florida High...Class 2A State Player of the Year and first-team FSWA all-state selection as a senior...participated in the FACA All-Star game in Sebring...selected Tallahassee Democrat's All-Big Bend Player of the Year...went 11-1 with a 0.77 ERA...struck out 110 batters and issued just seven walks in 72 innings pitched...had a career record of 22-2...tossed a perfect game on Senior Night against Taylor County...also played shortstop...hit.360 as a senior...was a 47th round selection of the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2002...won an AAU National Championship with the Tallahassee Baseball Club...PERSONAL: Born February 15, 1985...major is sports management.
Michael Hyde, 6-1, 185, P, Tallahassee - PREVIOUS SCHOOL: Member of the Panhandle Conference championship team that went 43-10...went 6-3 with a 2.23 ERA in 70 innings of work...led the team with 69 strikeouts...HIGH SCHOOL: Member of the 2002 Class 4A state runner-up team...went 9-2 as a senior with a 0.75 ERA and 79 strikeouts in 61 innings of work...2003 High School Heisman nominee...second team all-state in 2003...two-time All-Big Bend first team honors...SUMMER BALL: Pitched 45 innings posting a 2.48 ERA with 54 strikeouts in the Valley Summer League...ACADEMICS: Four-year principal scholar in high school...senior academic player of the year...high school GPA of 4.64 placed him in the top 2% of his class...National Honor Society...National Scholar Athlete Award...Florida Bright Futures Scholar...3.85 GPA at TCC with Dean's List honors...PERSONAL: Aunt, uncle, several cousins and great aunts and uncles all attended FSU...sister Heather is on a softball scholarship at TCC...hobbies are fishing, basketball and movies...major is athletic training/sports medicine...born June 28, 1984...son of Joe and Kaye.
William Jackel, 6-1, 230, P, Kennesaw, Ga. - HIGH SCHOOL: Four-year starter who was the first freshman in school history to make varsity...went 4-1 with a 2.14 ERA in 2003...fastball has been clocked as high as 94 mph and throws consistently in the low 90's...the first player in school history to letter in baseball all four years...one of the top players in Georgia according to Perfect Game...PERSONAL: Son of Dana and Pinki...both his mother and aunt attended FSU...enrolled in FSU's undergraduate studies program.
Ryne Jernigan, 5-9, 170, IF, Milton - HIGH SCHOOL: A FSWA 2004 State High School Class 4A First Team selection...career .400 plus hitter who has led his team in batting average the last three years...posted a .595 batting average as a senior with 40 RBIs and nine home runs...also led his team in home runs as a sophomore...PERSONAL: Cousin of former FSU center fielder Karl Jernigan...loves to hunt and fish in his spare time...born June 27, 1985...major is housing.
Brian Kelley, 6-3, 190, P, Ormond Beach - HIGH SCHOOL: FSWA 2004 State High School Class 4A First Team as a senior...Class 4A All-State honorable mention in 10th and 11th grade...named Orlando Sentinel and Daytona Beach News Journal Volusia County Player of the Year as a senior...three-time Daytona Beach News Journal All-Area first team...posted a 24-8 record during his four-year high school career...went 7-1 as a senior with a 2.26 ERA and 76 strikeouts in 56 innings of work...went 6-4 as a junior with a 2.15 ERA and 53 K's in 46 innings...was a perfect 9-0 as a sophomore with a 1.18 ERA, 54 strikeouts and a no hitter...member of the state finalists as a freshman and then won two games as he pitched his team to the state final four as a junior...Seabreeze High Cy Young pitching award in 10th and 11th grade...high school MVP as a senior...selected by the Florida Marlins to play in the East Coast Pro-fessional Showcase in Wilmington, NC...played in the FACA All-Star game in Sebring, FL as a senior...ACADEMIC: Graduated Cum Laude with a 3.5 GPA...academic booster honor roll every year of high school...chosen by the school principal to be inducted into the school's Hall of Fame based on character, community service and academics...PERSONAL: Major at FSU is business...son of Ed and Margaret...sister Katherine went to Florida State as well...loves to play guitar...born August 26, 1985.
Ruairi O'Connor, 6-0, 205, UTL, River Forest, Ill. - The #1 rated player in Illinois by PG/Baseball America and Midwest Prospects since June of 2002...rated 42nd at the Perfect Game National Showcase in June of 2004...projected as a third-10th round draft choice by Baseball America prior to signing with the Seminoles...earned all-conference honors as a sophomore...Chicago Tribune All-State catcher special mention in 2003...attended the Chicago White Sox Silver & Black Series/Combine in the summer of 2004...Area Code tryouts summer of 2004...Minnesota Twins Top Prospect Team (East Coast MLB Showcase) summer 2004...a three year varsity starter and two year captain...in three years at Oak Park-River Forest he collected 110 hits and posted a batting average of .425 with 14 HR, eight triples and 43 doubles in 259 at bats...after just three seasons, O'Connor finished third all-time for home runs in school history...slugged .814 with an on base percentage of .515...junior year he hit .377 with three home runs and 27 RBI while playing short...this past summer with the Indiana Yankees he hit .473 with three HR and struck out only four times in 55 at bats on top of playing seven positions for the Yankees...as a sophomore O'Connor batted .449, slugged 1.017 and was on base 56% of the time...hit eight homers, drove in 47 runs and struck out just once per every 10 at bats...J. Kyle Baird Leadership Award...starting QB on varsity football team as a sophomore...has a 3.5 GPA...father Pat is an FSU grad and his mother Irene attended FSU before eventually getting her degree from Harvard.
Stephen Ochs, 6-1, 170, P, Marietta, Ga. - HIGH SCHOOL: 3-0 with a 1.75 ERA, 30 K's in 24.0 IP in 2003...combined to go 14-3 his senior year of high school and in summer ball...PERSONAL: Father graduated from FSU with an MBA...son of Rod and Andee Ochs...born February 27, 1986...sister's name is Kelly...enrolled in FSU's undergraduate studies program
Jack Rye, 6-1, 190, OF, Irvine, Calif. - HIGH SCHOOL: Four-time first team all-league...hit over .400 all four years of high school...had a .483 OBP and went 14-of-14 on stolen base attempts in 2003...only 10 strikeouts in 188 plate appearances during last two years of high school...second team All-South-ern California...PERSONAL: Won "Big Stick Award" in Mickey Mantle World Series...attended FSU's Advanced Baseball Camp...principal's honor roll all four years of high school...hobbies include surfing and snowboarding...born March 8, 1986...son of Alan and Debbie...father pitched at UCLA...has two sisters (Ashley and Lindsay) and a brother (Patrick)...major is business.
Josh Spivey, 6-1, 205, OF-1B, Tampa - PREVIOUS SCHOOL: Appeared in two games at St. Leo going 3-for-7 with a double, 2 RBIs, a run scored and two walks...HIGH SCHOOL: Wendy's High School Heisman nominee...first team all-county as a junior and a senior...three time All-Western Conference selection...hit .483 as a with five home runs and 12 doubles as a senior...a four-year starter who averaged over .380 for his career...PERSONAL: Recorded a 5.2 GPA in high school...first semester GPA at FSU was a 3.92...business major...son of William and Vivian...sister's name is Jessica...major is business.
Ryan Strauss, 6-2, 200, P-OF, Tampa - HIGH SCHOOL: Hillsborough County Player of the Year...FSWA 2004 2nd Team All-State, All-Suncoast 1st Team and 1st Team All-Western Conference back-to-back years...pitched 70 innings posting a 1.80 ERA with 130 strikeouts and just 12 walks...hit .380 with 12 doubles, 13 stolen bases and 25 RBIs...5-1, 69 K's, 1.26 ERA in 50.0 innings pitched in 2003...also hit .385 with 20 stolen bases...thrown a no-hitter in each of the last two seasons...one of the top 100 players nationally according to Baseball America and Team One...#91 high school prospect according to Baseball America and #29 high school prospect by Team One Baseball...ACADEMIC: Member of the National Honor Society...posted a 4.7 GPA in high school...PERSONAL: Hobbies include playing the guitar and watching movies...son of Eddie and Robin...born October 21, 1985...major is business.
Tony Thomas, 5-9, 165, IF, Valrico - HIGH SCHOOL: Selected 1st Team All-State (6A), 1st Team All-Conference - National Division and 1st Team All-County in 2004...Outstanding Offensive Award 2004 after batting .411 with 20 RBIs, 11 doubles, two home runs, 43 runs scored, 11-12 SB and 39 total hits...posted a .982 fielding percentage, turned 11 double plays, had 45 put outs, 67 assists and only two errors...2004 Saladino All-Tournament Team...in 2003 he hit .415 with 17 RBIs, nine doubles, four home runs, 35 runs scored, 11-11 in steals and 39 total hits...had a .988 fielding percentage, turned 15 double plays, had 44 assists and one error...named 3rd Team All-State (6A), 1st Team All-County, 1st Team All-Western Conference and Beef O'Brady Player of the Month that season...ended his junior year rated #21 at the Perfect Game World Underclassmen...Team One National Finalists from South Showcase...rated #195 in the country by Team One Baseball... ranked #22 in the country for middle infielders by Team One Baseball 2003...two-time Bloomingdale Male Athlete of the Year...member of the 2002 USA Youth National Olympic Team...FOOTBALL: Played football as a sophomore and junior...two-time All-Western Conference and All-Hillsborough County first team quarterback...two-time captain and MVP...two-time winner of the Golden Stampede Award...rushed for 972 yards in 8 games in 2003 averaging 9.8 yards per carry...2nd Team All-Western Conference running back in 2002-2003...ACADEMICS: National Honor Society...Bloomingdale All-Academic Team...3.95 GPA in high school...PERSONAL: Son of Anthony and Celeste...born July 10, 1986... hobbies include traveling, playing video games, fishing and any type of water sports especially wakeboarding...father played college baseball at Southern University and uncle Maurice Hurts played for the New England Patriots...major is athletic training/sports medicine.
2005 Roster - By Name
From the 2005 FSU Baseball Media Guide, page 15.
L
T PY
R No Name Pos B-T Hgt Wgt Cl Ltr Hometown (Prior School)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* 29 Barret Browning P L-L 6-2 185 Jr Jesup, Ga. (Wayne County/Chipola JC)
* 30 Brian Chambers P R-R 6-4 200 So * Tampa (Jefferson)
* 10 Tyler Chambliss P R-R 5-10 175 So * Live Oak (Suwannee)
* 20 Gibbs Chapman 2B L-R 5-11 175 Sr * Saint Cloud (Saint Cloud/Lake-Sumter CC)
* 19 Aaron Cheesman C R-R 5-10 195 Sr-R *** Sarasota (Sarasota)
* 13 Charles Cleveland IF R-R 6-2 200 Fr Tampa (Tampa Catholic)
* 5 Danny Diaz C R-R 6-3 215 So * Miami (Southridge)
* 32 Matt DiBlasi P L-L 6-3 200 Jr ** Clearwater (Countryside)
16 D.J. Echols P L-L 6-0 205 Jr Pensacola (Washington/Alabama Southern CC)
* 7 Nick Francis IF R-R 6-2 190 Jr Tallahassee (Godby)
18 Mark Gildea OF S-R 6-2 200 Fr Tampa (Middleton)
* 24 Dennis Guinn IF R-R 6-0 200 Fr Winter Haven (Winter Haven)
* 22 Bryan Henry P-IF R-R 6-3 190 So Tallahassee (Florida/North Florida CC)
* 25 Michael Hyde P R-R 6-1 185 So Tallahassee (Lincoln/Tallahassee CC)
42 William Jackel P R-R 6-1 230 Jr Kennesaw, Ga. (Kennesaw Mountain)
* 33 Trent Jarvis P L-L 6-3 210 Fr-R Destin (Fort Walton Beach)
* 8 Ryne Jernigan IF R-R 5-9 170 Fr Milton (Milton)
* 35 Hunter Jones P L-L 6-4 235 Jr ** Palm Beach Gardens (Dwyer)
43 Brian Kelley P L-L 6-3 190 Fr Ormond Beach (Seabreeze)
* 26 Kevin Lynch P L-R 6-2 195 Sr *** Fort Pierce (John Carroll)
* 3 Ryne Malone IF L-R 5-11 175 So * Gainesville (P.K. Yonge)
* 6 Brandon Manasa IF S-R 5-10 170 Jr ** Miami (Southridge)
* 9 Ruairi O'Connor UTL R-R 6-0 205 Fr River Forest, Ill. (Oak Park-River Forest)
* 4 Stephen Ochs P L-L 6-1 170 Fr Marietta, Ga. (Lassiter)
* 17 Brant Peacher OF R-R 6-2 200 So * Milton (Milton)
* 2 Shane Robinson OF R-R 5-9 165 So * Tampa (Jesuit)
* 46 Jack Rye OF L-L 6-1 190 Fr Irvine, Calif. (Woodbridge)
* 21 Mark Sauls P R-R 6-4 220 Jr ** Panama City (Bay)
* 15 Brian Schultz P L-L 6-0 185 So * Lakeland (Lake Gibson)
* 51 Glen Simon P R-R 6-2 225 So-R * Lake Worth (John I. Leonard)
* 45 Josh Spivey OF-1B L-L 6-1 205 So Tampa (Wharton/Saint Leo)
* 14 Ryan Strauss P-OF R-R 6-2 200 Fr Tampa (Bloomingdale)
* 23 Tony Thomas IF R-R 5-9 165 Fr Valrico (Bloomingdale)
* 27 Danny Wardell 1B R-R 6-2 230 Sr ** Wesley Chapel (Zephyrhills/Pasco-Hernando CC)
2005 Roster - By Number
From the 2005 FSU Baseball Media Guide, page 15.
L
T PY
R No Name Pos B-T Hgt Wgt Cl Ltr Hometown (Prior School)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* 2 Shane Robinson OF R-R 5-9 165 So * Tampa (Jesuit)
* 3 Ryne Malone IF L-R 5-11 175 So * Gainesville (P.K. Yonge)
* 4 Stephen Ochs P L-L 6-1 170 Fr Marietta, Ga. (Lassiter)
* 5 Danny Diaz C R-R 6-3 215 So * Miami (Southridge)
* 6 Brandon Manasa IF S-R 5-10 170 Jr ** Miami (Southridge)
* 7 Nick Francis IF R-R 6-2 190 Jr Tallahassee (Godby)
* 8 Ryne Jernigan IF R-R 5-9 170 Fr Milton (Milton)
* 9 Ruairi O'Connor UTL R-R 6-0 205 Fr River Forest, Ill. (Oak Park-River Forest)
* 10 Tyler Chambliss P R-R 5-10 175 So * Live Oak (Suwannee)
* 13 Charles Cleveland IF R-R 6-2 200 Fr Tampa (Tampa Catholic)
* 14 Ryan Strauss P-OF R-R 6-2 200 Fr Tampa (Bloomingdale)
* 15 Brian Schultz P L-L 6-0 185 So * Lakeland (Lake Gibson)
16 D.J. Echols P L-L 6-0 205 Jr Pensacola (Washington/Alabama Southern CC)
* 17 Brant Peacher OF R-R 6-2 200 So * Milton (Milton)
18 Mark Gildea OF S-R 6-2 200 Fr Tampa (Middleton)
* 19 Aaron Cheesman C R-R 5-10 195 Sr-R *** Sarasota (Sarasota)
* 20 Gibbs Chapman 2B L-R 5-11 175 Sr * Saint Cloud (Saint Cloud/Lake-Sumter CC)
* 21 Mark Sauls P R-R 6-4 220 Jr ** Panama City (Bay)
* 22 Bryan Henry P-IF R-R 6-3 190 So Tallahassee (Florida/North Florida CC)
* 23 Tony Thomas IF R-R 5-9 165 Fr Valrico (Bloomingdale)
* 24 Dennis Guinn IF R-R 6-0 200 Fr Winter Haven (Winter Haven)
* 25 Michael Hyde P R-R 6-1 185 So Tallahassee (Lincoln/Tallahassee CC)
* 26 Kevin Lynch P L-R 6-2 195 Sr *** Fort Pierce (John Carroll)
* 27 Danny Wardell 1B R-R 6-2 230 Sr ** Wesley Chapel (Zephyrhills/Pasco-Hernando CC)
* 29 Barret Browning P L-L 6-2 185 Jr Jesup, Ga. (Wayne County/Chipola JC)
* 30 Brian Chambers P R-R 6-4 200 So * Tampa (Jefferson)
* 32 Matt DiBlasi P L-L 6-3 200 Jr ** Clearwater (Countryside)
* 33 Trent Jarvis P L-L 6-3 210 Fr-R Destin (Fort Walton Beach)
* 35 Hunter Jones P L-L 6-4 235 Jr ** Palm Beach Gardens (Dwyer)
42 William Jackel P R-R 6-1 230 Jr Kennesaw, Ga. (Kennesaw Mountain)
43 Brian Kelley P L-L 6-3 190 Fr Ormond Beach (Seabreeze)
* 45 Josh Spivey OF-1B L-L 6-1 205 So Tampa (Wharton/Saint Leo)
* 46 Jack Rye OF L-L 6-1 190 Fr Irvine, Calif. (Woodbridge)
* 51 Glen Simon P R-R 6-2 225 So-R * Lake Worth (John I. Leonard)
April 30, 2005
The following players will transfer to other schools: Brandon Manasa (Rollins College), Glen Simon (Cincinnati) and William Jackell (Tallahassee Community College). Earlier in the month, Brian Schultz
left the team with plans of enrolling at Florida Southern.
June 15, 2005
Nick Francis transfered to Pensacola Junior College.
June 22, 2005
Ryan Jernigan transferred to Oklasoosa Walton Community College.
Brant Peacher transferred to Coastal Carolina.
2005 Conference Awards
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tyler Chambliss Atlantic Coast Conference - All-Conference - 2nd Team
Aaron Cheesman Atlantic Coast Conference - All-Conference - 2nd Team
Bryan Henry Atlantic Coast Conference - All-Conference - 1st Team
Kevin Lynch Atlantic Coast Conference - All-Conference - 2nd Team
Ryne Malone Atlantic Coast Conference - All-Conference - 2nd Team
Shane Robinson Atlantic Coast Conference - All-Conference - 1st Team
Jack Rye Atlantic Coast Conference - All-Tournament Team
All-Conference - 7
2005 All-Americans
Name Organization
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tyler Chambliss Nat Collegiate Baseball Writers Assoc - 3rd Team All-American
Shane Robinson American Baseball Coaches Association - 1st Team All-American
Baseball America - 1st Team All-American
Collegiate Baseball - 1st Team All-American
Nat Collegiate Baseball Writers Assoc - 1st Team All-American
USA Today/Sports Weekly - 1st Team All-American
NCAA - Consensus All-American
All-Americans - 2
2005 Noles in the Pros
Name No Pos Team
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kevin Cash 17 C Tampa Bay Devil Rays
Randy Choate 21 P Arizona Diamondbacks
Matt Diaz 34 OF Kansas City Royals
J.D. Drew 7 OF Los Angeles Dodgers
John-Ford Griffin 24 OF Toronto Blue Jays
Marshall McDougall 25-20 3B-OF-2B-SS Texas Rangers
Doug Mientkiewicz 16 1B New York Mets
Eduardo Perez 33 1B-OF-3B Tampa Bay Devil Rays
Scott Proctor 43 P New York Yankees
John Wasdin 47 P Texas Rangers
Paul Wilson 40 P Cincinnati Reds
Noles in the Pros - 11
2005 Schedule and Results
GAME |
SCORE |
CB |
BA |
USA |
CB |
BA |
USA |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charleston Southern | |||||||||||||||
| Charleston Southern | |||||||||||||||
| Charleston Southern | |||||||||||||||
| Virginia Military | |||||||||||||||
| Virginia Military | |||||||||||||||
| Virginia Military | |||||||||||||||
| Auburn | |||||||||||||||
| Auburn | |||||||||||||||
| Auburn | |||||||||||||||
| Saint Joseph's | |||||||||||||||
| Saint Joseph's | |||||||||||||||
| Saint Joseph's | |||||||||||||||
| Stetson | |||||||||||||||
| Stetson | |||||||||||||||
| Appalachian State | |||||||||||||||
| Appalachian State | |||||||||||||||
| Hawaii-Hilo | |||||||||||||||
| Hawaii-Hilo Kona, Hawaii |
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| Hawaii-Hilo Kona, Hawaii |
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| Hawaii-Hilo Kona, Hawaii |
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| Hawaii-Hilo | |||||||||||||||
| Hawaii Pacific | |||||||||||||||
| Hawaii | |||||||||||||||
| Hawaii | |||||||||||||||
| Hawaii | |||||||||||||||
| Virginia Tech | |||||||||||||||
| Virginia Tech | |||||||||||||||
| Virginia Tech | |||||||||||||||
| Jacksonville | |||||||||||||||
| Duke | |||||||||||||||
| Duke | |||||||||||||||
| Duke | |||||||||||||||
| Florida | |||||||||||||||
| Clemson Renamed the field Mike Martin Field at Dick Howser Stadium. |
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| Clemson | |||||||||||||||
| Clemson | |||||||||||||||
| Jacksonville | |||||||||||||||
| Wake Forest | |||||||||||||||
| Wake Forest | |||||||||||||||
| Wake Forest | |||||||||||||||
| Jacksonville | |||||||||||||||
| Georgia Tech | |||||||||||||||
| Georgia Tech | |||||||||||||||
| Georgia Tech | |||||||||||||||
| Florida | |||||||||||||||
| Miami | |||||||||||||||
| Miami | |||||||||||||||
| Miami | |||||||||||||||
| Virginia | |||||||||||||||
| Virginia | |||||||||||||||
| Virginia | |||||||||||||||
| Florida | |||||||||||||||
| Maryland | |||||||||||||||
| Maryland | |||||||||||||||
| Maryland | |||||||||||||||
| Stetson | |||||||||||||||
| Stetson | |||||||||||||||
| North Carolina | |||||||||||||||
| North Carolina | |||||||||||||||
| North Carolina | |||||||||||||||
| Jacksonville | |||||||||||||||
| North Carolina State | |||||||||||||||
| North Carolina State First 2 innings played on 5/20 |
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| North Carolina State 2 outs, 1 runner LOB when the game ended. |
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| North Carolina ACC, Jacksonville, Fla. |
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| Georgia Tech ACC, Jacksonville, Fla. |
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| Wake Forest ACC, Jacksonville, Fla. |
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| Georgia Tech 10-Run Rule, ACC, Jacksonville, Fla. |
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| Army NCAA |
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| Auburn NCAA |
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| Auburn NCAA Championship |
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| Florida NCAA Super Regional |
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| Florida NCAA Super Regional Championship |
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EOY StatsRef CB=Collegiate Baseball, BA=Baseball America, USA=USA Today/Coaches, CWS=College World Series Conference games in bold Overall Home Away Neutral -------------------------------------------------- FSU record is 53-20 33- 5 15-13 5- 2 vs ACC 19-11 12- 3 7- 8 0- 0 Against Top 25 8-12 4- 1 3- 9 1- 2 Final Collegiate Baseball Poll - 15 Final Baseball America Poll - 16 Final USA Today/Coaches Poll - 14
2005 Atlantic Coast Conference Results 1 Georgia Tech 22- 8 45-19 2 Clemson 21- 9 43-23 3 Miami 19-10-1 41-19-1 4 Florida State 19-11 53-20 5 North Carolina 17-10-1 41-19-1 6 North Carolina State 17-13 41-19 7 Virginia 14-14 41-20 8 Wake Forest 12-18 28-30 9 Virginia Tech 7-19 23-28 10 Maryland 7-23 25-31 11 Duke 5-25 14-39
2005 CONFERENCE TOURNAMENT, Jacksonville, Fl Date Score Comments ========== ================================================== ================================== 05/24/2005 (8)Wake Forest 10, (11)Duke 1 05/24/2005 (10)Maryland 5, (9)Louisville 4 05/24/2005 (8)Wake Forest 20, (10)Maryland 13 05/25/2005 (6)North Carolina State 2, (3)Miami 1 05/25/2005 (7)Virginia 8, (2)Clemson 1 05/25/2005 (4)Florida State 3, (5)North Carolina 2 05/25/2005 (1)Georgia Tech 9, (8)Wake Forest 8 05/26/2005 (2)Clemson 9, (3)Miami 1 05/26/2005 (8)Wake Forest 2, (5)North Carolina 1 05/26/2005 (7)Virginia 12, (6)North Carolina State 2 05/26/2005 (1)Georgia Tech 5, (4)Florida State 4 05/27/2005 (2)Clemson 5, (6)North Carolina State 4 05/27/2005 (4)Florida State 7, (8)Wake Forest 3 05/28/2005 (7)Virginia 5, (2)Clemson 4 05/28/2005 (1)Georgia Tech 18, (4)Florida State 2 05/29/2005 (1)Georgia Tech 4, (7)Virginia 3
| STARTING BATTING ORDER | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DATE/OPPONENT | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 |
| 01/28/2005 Charleston Southern |
Shane Robinson | Gibbs Chapman | Aaron Cheesman | Ryne Malone | Brant Peacher | Bryan Henry | Tony Thomas | Jack Rye | Nick Francis |
| 01/29/2005 Charleston Southern |
Shane Robinson | Gibbs Chapman | Aaron Cheesman | Ryne Malone | Brant Peacher | Bryan Henry | Jack Rye | Tony Thomas | Nick Francis |
| 01/30/2005 Charleston Southern |
Shane Robinson | Gibbs Chapman | Aaron Cheesman | Ryne Malone | Brant Peacher | Bryan Henry | Jack Rye | Tony Thomas | Nick Francis |
| 02/04/2005 Virginia Military |
Shane Robinson | Gibbs Chapman | Aaron Cheesman | Ryne Malone | Josh Spivey | Bryan Henry | Jack Rye | Nick Francis | Tony Thomas |
| 02/05/2005 Virginia Military |
Shane Robinson | Gibbs Chapman | Aaron Cheesman | Ryne Malone | Josh Spivey | Bryan Henry | Nick Francis | Tony Thomas | Jack Rye |
| 02/06/2005 Virginia Military |
Shane Robinson | Gibbs Chapman | Aaron Cheesman | Ryne Malone | Brant Peacher | Bryan Henry | Tony Thomas | Ruairi O'Connor | Ryne Jernigan |
| 02/11/2005 Auburn |
Shane Robinson | Gibbs Chapman | Aaron Cheesman | Ryne Malone | Brant Peacher | Bryan Henry | Tony Thomas | Ruairi O'Connor | Ryne Jernigan |
| 02/12/2005 Auburn |
Shane Robinson | Gibbs Chapman | Aaron Cheesman | Ryne Malone | Jack Rye | Bryan Henry | Tony Thomas | Josh Spivey | Ryne Jernigan |
| 02/13/2005 Auburn |
Shane Robinson | Gibbs Chapman | Aaron Cheesman | Ryne Malone | Josh Spivey | Bryan Henry | Tony Thomas | Jack Rye | Nick Francis |
| 02/18/2005 Saint Joseph's |
Shane Robinson | Gibbs Chapman | Aaron Cheesman | Ryne Malone | Brant Peacher | Bryan Henry | Ryne Jernigan | Ruairi O'Connor | Tony Thomas |
| 02/19/2005 Saint Joseph's |
Shane Robinson | Gibbs Chapman | Aaron Cheesman | Ryne Malone | Jack Rye | Bryan Henry | Josh Spivey | Ryne Jernigan | Tony Thomas |
| 02/20/2005 Saint Joseph's |
Shane Robinson | Gibbs Chapman | Aaron Cheesman | Ryne Malone | Danny Wardell | Bryan Henry | Jack Rye | Ryne Jernigan | Tony Thomas |
| 02/22/2005 Stetson |
Shane Robinson | Gibbs Chapman | Aaron Cheesman | Ryne Malone | Danny Wardell | Bryan Henry | Jack Rye | Ryne Jernigan | Tony Thomas |
| 02/23/2005 Stetson |
Shane Robinson | Gibbs Chapman | Aaron Cheesman | Ryne Malone | Bryan Henry | Jack Rye | Brant Peacher | Ryne Jernigan | Tony Thomas |
| 02/25/2005 Appalachian State |
Shane Robinson | Gibbs Chapman | Aaron Cheesman | Ryne Malone | Brant Peacher | Bryan Henry | Ryne Jernigan | Ruairi O'Connor | Tony Thomas |
| 02/26/2005 Appalachian State |
Shane Robinson | Gibbs Chapman | Aaron Cheesman | Ryne Malone | Bryan Henry | Josh Spivey | Ryne Jernigan | Ruairi O'Connor | Tony Thomas |
| 03/04/2005 Hawaii-Hilo |
Shane Robinson | Gibbs Chapman | Aaron Cheesman | Ryne Malone | Jack Rye | Bryan Henry | Ryne Jernigan | Josh Spivey | Tony Thomas |
| 03/05/2005 Hawaii-Hilo |
Shane Robinson | Gibbs Chapman | Aaron Cheesman | Ryne Malone | Brant Peacher | Bryan Henry | Ryne Jernigan | Ruairi O'Connor | Tony Thomas |
| 03/06/2005 Hawaii-Hilo |
Shane Robinson | Gibbs Chapman | Aaron Cheesman | Ryne Malone | Jack Rye | Josh Spivey | Brandon Manasa | Bryan Henry | Ryne Jernigan |
| 03/06/2005 Hawaii-Hilo |
Shane Robinson | Gibbs Chapman | Aaron Cheesman | Danny Wardell | Ruairi O'Connor | Tony Thomas | Charles Cleveland | Nick Francis | Danny Diaz |
| 03/07/2005 Hawaii-Hilo |
Shane Robinson | Gibbs Chapman | Aaron Cheesman | Jack Rye | Josh Spivey | Ryne Malone | Charles Cleveland | Ryne Jernigan | Tony Thomas |
| 03/09/2005 Hawaii Pacific |
Shane Robinson | Gibbs Chapman | Aaron Cheesman | Jack Rye | Josh Spivey | Ryne Malone | Charles Cleveland | Ryne Jernigan | Tony Thomas |
| 03/10/2005 Hawaii |
Shane Robinson | Gibbs Chapman | Aaron Cheesman | Jack Rye | Ryne Malone | Josh Spivey | Ryne Jernigan | Bryan Henry | Tony Thomas |
| 03/11/2005 Hawaii |
Shane Robinson | Gibbs Chapman | Aaron Cheesman | Jack Rye | Ryne Malone | Brant Peacher | Charles Cleveland | Nick Francis | Tony Thomas |
| 03/12/2005 Hawaii |
Shane Robinson | Gibbs Chapman | Aaron Cheesman | Jack Rye | Brant Peacher | Danny Wardell | Bryan Henry | Ryne Jernigan | Nick Francis |
| 03/18/2005 Virginia Tech |
Shane Robinson | Gibbs Chapman | Aaron Cheesman | Jack Rye | Brant Peacher | Ryne Malone | Bryan Henry | Ryne Jernigan | Tony Thomas |
| 03/19/2005 Virginia Tech |
Shane Robinson | Gibbs Chapman | Aaron Cheesman | Brant Peacher | Danny Wardell | Ryne Jernigan | Ruairi O'Connor | Charles Cleveland | Tony Thomas |
| 03/20/2005 Virginia Tech |
Shane Robinson | Gibbs Chapman | Aaron Cheesman | Jack Rye | Brant Peacher | Ryne Malone | Ryne Jernigan | Charles Cleveland | Tony Thomas |
| 03/23/2005 Jacksonville |
Shane Robinson | Gibbs Chapman | Aaron Cheesman | Brant Peacher | Ruairi O'Connor | Ryne Malone | Bryan Henry | Ryne Jernigan | Tony Thomas |
| 03/25/2005 Duke |
Shane Robinson | Gibbs Chapman | Aaron Cheesman | Jack Rye | Ryne Malone | Brant Peacher | Ryne Jernigan | Bryan Henry | Tony Thomas |
| 03/26/2005 Duke |
Shane Robinson | Gibbs Chapman | Aaron Cheesman | Jack Rye | Ryne Malone | Brant Peacher | Ryne Jernigan | Tony Thomas | Bryan Henry |
| 03/26/2005 Duke |
Shane Robinson | Gibbs Chapman | Brant Peacher | Danny Wardell | Ruairi O'Connor | Ryne Jernigan | Danny Diaz | Tony Thomas | Charles Cleveland |
| 03/30/2005 Florida |
Shane Robinson | Gibbs Chapman | Aaron Cheesman | Brant Peacher | Ryne Malone | Danny Wardell | Ryne Jernigan | Ruairi O'Connor | Tony Thomas |
| 04/02/2005 Clemson |
Shane Robinson | Gibbs Chapman | Aaron Cheesman | Jack Rye | Brant Peacher | Ryne Malone | Ryne Jernigan | Tony Thomas | Bryan Henry |
| 04/03/2005 Clemson |
Shane Robinson | Gibbs Chapman | Aaron Cheesman | Jack Rye | Brant Peacher | Ryne Malone | Tony Thomas | Ryne Jernigan | Bryan Henry |
| 04/03/2005 Clemson |
Shane Robinson | Gibbs Chapman | Aaron Cheesman | Brant Peacher | Ryne Malone | Tony Thomas | Danny Wardell | Ryne Jernigan | Ruairi O'Connor |
| 04/06/2005 Jacksonville |
Shane Robinson | Ryne Malone | Aaron Cheesman | Jack Rye | Brant Peacher | Danny Wardell | Tony Thomas | Ryne Jernigan | Bryan Henry |
| 04/08/2005 Wake Forest |
Shane Robinson | Ryne Malone | Aaron Cheesman | Jack Rye | Brant Peacher | Gibbs Chapman | Tony Thomas | Ryne Jernigan | Bryan Henry |
| 04/09/2005 Wake Forest |
Shane Robinson | Ryne Malone | Aaron Cheesman | Brant Peacher | Jack Rye | Danny Wardell | Ryne Jernigan | Bryan Henry | Tony Thomas |
| 04/10/2005 Wake Forest |
Shane Robinson | Ryne Malone | Aaron Cheesman | Brant Peacher | Jack Rye | Gibbs Chapman | Ryne Jernigan | Bryan Henry | Tony Thomas |
| 04/12/2005 Jacksonville |
Shane Robinson | Ryne Malone | Aaron Cheesman | Jack Rye | Brant Peacher | Gibbs Chapman | Ryne Jernigan | Danny Wardell | Tony Thomas |
| 04/15/2005 Georgia Tech |
Shane Robinson | Ryne Malone | Aaron Cheesman | Brant Peacher | Gibbs Chapman | Danny Wardell | Ryne Jernigan | Ruairi O'Connor | Tony Thomas |
| 04/16/2005 Georgia Tech |
Shane Robinson | Ryne Malone | Gibbs Chapman | Aaron Cheesman | Jack Rye | Danny Wardell | Ryne Jernigan | Tony Thomas | Bryan Henry |
| 04/17/2005 Georgia Tech |
Shane Robinson | Ryne Malone | Gibbs Chapman | Aaron Cheesman | Jack Rye | Ryne Jernigan | Danny Wardell | Brant Peacher | Tony Thomas |
| 04/19/2005 Florida |
Shane Robinson | Ryne Malone | Gibbs Chapman | Aaron Cheesman | Jack Rye | Ryne Jernigan | Danny Wardell | Josh Spivey | Tony Thomas |
| 04/22/2005 Miami |
Shane Robinson | Ryne Malone | Gibbs Chapman | Aaron Cheesman | Jack Rye | Ryne Jernigan | Danny Wardell | Josh Spivey | Tony Thomas |
| 04/23/2005 Miami |
Shane Robinson | Ryne Malone | Gibbs Chapman | Aaron Cheesman | Danny Wardell | Ryne Jernigan | Brant Peacher | Ruairi O'Connor | Tony Thomas |
| 04/24/2005 Miami |
Shane Robinson | Ryne Malone | Gibbs Chapman | Aaron Cheesman | Jack Rye | Danny Wardell | Josh Spivey | Ryne Jernigan | Tony Thomas |
| 04/29/2005 Virginia |
Shane Robinson | Ryne Malone | Gibbs Chapman | Aaron Cheesman | Jack Rye | Danny Wardell | Ryne Jernigan | Josh Spivey | Tony Thomas |
| 05/01/2005 Virginia |
Shane Robinson | Ryne Malone | Gibbs Chapman | Aaron Cheesman | Danny Wardell | Ryne Jernigan | Brant Peacher | Jack Rye | Tony Thomas |
| 05/01/2005 Virginia |
Shane Robinson | Ryne Malone | Gibbs Chapman | Aaron Cheesman | Danny Wardell | Ryne Jernigan | Josh Spivey | Jack Rye | Tony Thomas |
| 05/03/2005 Florida |
Shane Robinson | Ryne Malone | Gibbs Chapman | Aaron Cheesman | Danny Wardell | Ryne Jernigan | Brant Peacher | Jack Rye | Tony Thomas |
| 05/06/2005 Maryland |
Shane Robinson | Ryne Malone | Gibbs Chapman | Aaron Cheesman | Danny Wardell | Ryne Jernigan | Brant Peacher | Jack Rye | Tony Thomas |
| 05/07/2005 Maryland |
Shane Robinson | Ryne Malone | Gibbs Chapman | Aaron Cheesman | Danny Wardell | Brant Peacher | Jack Rye | Ryne Jernigan | Tony Thomas |
| 05/08/2005 Maryland |
Shane Robinson | Ryne Malone | Gibbs Chapman | Aaron Cheesman | Danny Wardell | Jack Rye | Josh Spivey | Ryne Jernigan | Tony Thomas |
| 05/10/2005 Stetson |
Shane Robinson | Ryne Malone | Gibbs Chapman | Aaron Cheesman | Danny Wardell | Jack Rye | Josh Spivey | Ryne Jernigan | Tony Thomas |
| 05/11/2005 Stetson |
Shane Robinson | Ryne Malone | Gibbs Chapman | Aaron Cheesman | Danny Wardell | Jack Rye | Josh Spivey | Ryne Jernigan | Tony Thomas |
| 05/13/2005 North Carolina |
Shane Robinson | Ryne Malone | Gibbs Chapman | Aaron Cheesman | Danny Wardell | Jack Rye | Brant Peacher | Ryne Jernigan | Tony Thomas |
| 05/14/2005 North Carolina |
Shane Robinson | Ryne Malone | Gibbs Chapman | Aaron Cheesman | Danny Wardell | Jack Rye | Josh Spivey | Ryne Jernigan | Tony Thomas |
| 05/15/2005 North Carolina |
Shane Robinson | Ryne Malone | Gibbs Chapman | Aaron Cheesman | Danny Wardell | Jack Rye | Josh Spivey | Ryne Jernigan | Tony Thomas |
| 05/17/2005 Jacksonville |
Shane Robinson | Ryne Malone | Gibbs Chapman | Aaron Cheesman | Danny Wardell | Jack Rye | Josh Spivey | Ryne Jernigan | Tony Thomas |
| 05/19/2005 North Carolina State |
Shane Robinson | Ryne Malone | Gibbs Chapman | Aaron Cheesman | Danny Wardell | Jack Rye | Josh Spivey | Ryne Jernigan | Tony Thomas |
| 05/21/2005 North Carolina State |
Shane Robinson | Ryne Malone | Gibbs Chapman | Aaron Cheesman | Danny Wardell | Jack Rye | Brant Peacher | Ryne Jernigan | Tony Thomas |
| 05/21/2005 North Carolina State |
Shane Robinson | Ryne Malone | Gibbs Chapman | Aaron Cheesman | Jack Rye | Danny Wardell | Josh Spivey | Tony Thomas | Ryne Jernigan |
| 05/25/2005 North Carolina |
Shane Robinson | Ryne Malone | Gibbs Chapman | Aaron Cheesman | Danny Wardell | Jack Rye | Josh Spivey | Ryne Jernigan | Tony Thomas |
| 05/26/2005 Georgia Tech |
Shane Robinson | Ryne Malone | Gibbs Chapman | Aaron Cheesman | Danny Wardell | Jack Rye | Josh Spivey | Ryne Jernigan | Tony Thomas |
| 05/27/2005 Wake Forest |
Shane Robinson | Ryne Malone | Gibbs Chapman | Aaron Cheesman | Danny Wardell | Brant Peacher | Jack Rye | Ryne Jernigan | Tony Thomas |
| 05/28/2005 Georgia Tech |
Shane Robinson | Ryne Malone | Gibbs Chapman | Aaron Cheesman | Danny Wardell | Jack Rye | Brant Peacher | Ryne Jernigan | Tony Thomas |
| 06/03/2005 Army |
Shane Robinson | Ryne Malone | Gibbs Chapman | Aaron Cheesman | Danny Wardell | Jack Rye | Brant Peacher | Ryne Jernigan | Tony Thomas |
| 06/04/2005 Auburn |
Shane Robinson | Ryne Malone | Gibbs Chapman | Aaron Cheesman | Jack Rye | Danny Wardell | Brant Peacher | Ryne Jernigan | Tony Thomas |
| 06/05/2005 Auburn |
Shane Robinson | Ryne Malone | Gibbs Chapman | Aaron Cheesman | Jack Rye | Danny Wardell | Josh Spivey | Ryne Jernigan | Tony Thomas |
| 06/10/2005 Florida |
Shane Robinson | Ryne Malone | Gibbs Chapman | Aaron Cheesman | Jack Rye | Danny Wardell | Josh Spivey | Ryne Jernigan | Tony Thomas |
| 06/11/2005 Florida |
Shane Robinson | Ryne Malone | Gibbs Chapman | Aaron Cheesman | Jack Rye | Danny Wardell | Josh Spivey | Ryne Jernigan | Tony Thomas |
| STARTING DEFENSE | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DATE/OPPONENT | P | C | 1B | 2B | 3B | SS | LF | CF | RF |
| 01/28/2005 Charleston Southern |
Mark Sauls | Aaron Cheesman | Ryne Malone | Tony Thomas | Bryan Henry | Nick Francis | Gibbs Chapman | Shane Robinson | Jack Rye |
| 01/29/2005 Charleston Southern |
Michael Hyde | Aaron Cheesman | Ryne Malone | Tony Thomas | Bryan Henry | Nick Francis | Gibbs Chapman | Shane Robinson | Jack Rye |
| 01/30/2005 Charleston Southern |
Barret Browning | Aaron Cheesman | Ryne Malone | Tony Thomas | Bryan Henry | Nick Francis | Gibbs Chapman | Shane Robinson | Jack Rye |
| 02/04/2005 Virginia Military |
Mark Sauls | Aaron Cheesman | Ryne Malone | Tony Thomas | Bryan Henry | Nick Francis | Gibbs Chapman | Shane Robinson | Jack Rye |
| 02/05/2005 Virginia Military |
Michael Hyde | Aaron Cheesman | Ryne Malone | Tony Thomas | Bryan Henry | Nick Francis | Gibbs Chapman | Shane Robinson | Jack Rye |
| 02/06/2005 Virginia Military |
Barret Browning | Aaron Cheesman | Ryne Malone | Tony Thomas | Bryan Henry | Ryne Jernigan | Gibbs Chapman | Shane Robinson | Ruairi O'Connor |
| 02/11/2005 Auburn |
Hunter Jones | Aaron Cheesman | Ryne Malone | Tony Thomas | Bryan Henry | Ryne Jernigan | Gibbs Chapman | Shane Robinson | Ruairi O'Connor |
| 02/12/2005 Auburn |
Brian Schultz | Aaron Cheesman | Ryne Malone | Tony Thomas | Bryan Henry | Ryne Jernigan | Gibbs Chapman | Shane Robinson | Jack Rye |
| 02/13/2005 Auburn |
Michael Hyde | Aaron Cheesman | Ryne Malone | Tony Thomas | Bryan Henry | Nick Francis | Gibbs Chapman | Shane Robinson | Jack Rye |
| 02/18/2005 Saint Joseph's |
Hunter Jones | Aaron Cheesman | Ryne Malone | Tony Thomas | Bryan Henry | Ryne Jernigan | Gibbs Chapman | Shane Robinson | Ruairi O'Connor |
| 02/19/2005 Saint Joseph's |
Michael Hyde | Aaron Cheesman | Ryne Malone | Tony Thomas | Bryan Henry | Ryne Jernigan | Gibbs Chapman | Shane Robinson | Jack Rye |
| 02/20/2005 Saint Joseph's |
Barret Browning | Aaron Cheesman | Ryne Malone | Tony Thomas | Bryan Henry | Ryne Jernigan | Gibbs Chapman | Shane Robinson | Jack Rye |
| 02/22/2005 Stetson |
Brian Schultz | Aaron Cheesman | Ryne Malone | Tony Thomas | Bryan Henry | Ryne Jernigan | Gibbs Chapman | Shane Robinson | Jack Rye |
| 02/23/2005 Stetson |
Hunter Jones | Aaron Cheesman | Ryne Malone | Tony Thomas | Bryan Henry | Ryne Jernigan | Gibbs Chapman | Shane Robinson | Jack Rye |
| 02/25/2005 Appalachian State |
Michael Hyde | Aaron Cheesman | Ryne Malone | Tony Thomas | Bryan Henry | Ryne Jernigan | Gibbs Chapman | Shane Robinson | Ruairi O'Connor |
| 02/26/2005 Appalachian State |
Barret Browning | Aaron Cheesman | Ryne Malone | Tony Thomas | Bryan Henry | Ryne Jernigan | Gibbs Chapman | Shane Robinson | Ruairi O'Connor |
| 03/04/2005 Hawaii-Hilo |
Michael Hyde | Aaron Cheesman | Ryne Malone | Tony Thomas | Bryan Henry | Ryne Jernigan | Gibbs Chapman | Shane Robinson | Jack Rye |
| 03/05/2005 Hawaii-Hilo |
Barret Browning | Aaron Cheesman | Ryne Malone | Tony Thomas | Bryan Henry | Ryne Jernigan | Gibbs Chapman | Shane Robinson | Ruairi O'Connor |
| 03/06/2005 Hawaii-Hilo |
Hunter Jones | Aaron Cheesman | Ryne Malone | Brandon Manasa | Bryan Henry | Ryne Jernigan | Gibbs Chapman | Shane Robinson | Jack Rye |
| 03/06/2005 Hawaii-Hilo |
Bryan Henry | Danny Diaz | Danny Wardell | Tony Thomas | Charles Cleveland | Nick Francis | Gibbs Chapman | Shane Robinson | Ruairi O'Connor |
| 03/07/2005 Hawaii-Hilo |
Ryan Strauss | Aaron Cheesman | Ryne Malone | Tony Thomas | Charles Cleveland | Ryne Jernigan | Gibbs Chapman | Shane Robinson | Jack Rye |
| 03/09/2005 Hawaii Pacific |
Mark Sauls | Aaron Cheesman | Ryne Malone | Tony Thomas | Charles Cleveland | Ryne Jernigan | Gibbs Chapman | Shane Robinson | Jack Rye |
| 03/10/2005 Hawaii |
Michael Hyde | Aaron Cheesman | Ryne Malone | Tony Thomas | Bryan Henry | Ryne Jernigan | Gibbs Chapman | Shane Robinson | Jack Rye |
| 03/11/2005 Hawaii |
Barret Browning | Aaron Cheesman | Ryne Malone | Tony Thomas | Charles Cleveland | Nick Francis | Gibbs Chapman | Shane Robinson | Jack Rye |
| 03/12/2005 Hawaii |
Hunter Jones | Aaron Cheesman | Danny Wardell | Ryne Jernigan | Bryan Henry | Nick Francis | Gibbs Chapman | Shane Robinson | Jack Rye |
| 03/18/2005 Virginia Tech |
Barret Browning | Aaron Cheesman | Ryne Malone | Tony Thomas | Bryan Henry | Ryne Jernigan | Gibbs Chapman | Shane Robinson | Jack Rye |
| 03/19/2005 Virginia Tech |
Michael Hyde | Aaron Cheesman | Danny Wardell | Tony Thomas | Charles Cleveland | Ryne Jernigan | Gibbs Chapman | Shane Robinson | Ruairi O'Connor |
| 03/20/2005 Virginia Tech |
Mark Sauls | Aaron Cheesman | Ryne Malone | Tony Thomas | Charles Cleveland | Ryne Jernigan | Gibbs Chapman | Shane Robinson | Jack Rye |
| 03/23/2005 Jacksonville |
Hunter Jones | Aaron Cheesman | Ryne Malone | Tony Thomas | Bryan Henry | Ryne Jernigan | Gibbs Chapman | Shane Robinson | Ruairi O'Connor |
| 03/25/2005 Duke |
Barret Browning | Aaron Cheesman | Ryne Malone | Tony Thomas | Bryan Henry | Ryne Jernigan | Gibbs Chapman | Shane Robinson | Jack Rye |
| 03/26/2005 Duke |
Michael Hyde | Aaron Cheesman | Ryne Malone | Tony Thomas | Bryan Henry | Ryne Jernigan | Gibbs Chapman | Shane Robinson | Jack Rye |
| 03/26/2005 Duke |
Mark Sauls | Danny Diaz | Danny Wardell | Tony Thomas | Charles Cleveland | Ryne Jernigan | Gibbs Chapman | Shane Robinson | Ruairi O'Connor |
| 03/30/2005 Florida |
Hunter Jones | Aaron Cheesman | Danny Wardell | Tony Thomas | Ryne Malone | Ryne Jernigan | Gibbs Chapman | Shane Robinson | Ruairi O'Connor |
| 04/02/2005 Clemson |
Barret Browning | Aaron Cheesman | Ryne Malone | Tony Thomas | Bryan Henry | Ryne Jernigan | Gibbs Chapman | Shane Robinson | Jack Rye |
| 04/03/2005 Clemson |
Michael Hyde | Aaron Cheesman | Ryne Malone | Tony Thomas | Bryan Henry | Ryne Jernigan | Gibbs Chapman | Shane Robinson | Jack Rye |
| 04/03/2005 Clemson |
Bryan Henry | Aaron Cheesman | Danny Wardell | Tony Thomas | Ryne Malone | Ryne Jernigan | Gibbs Chapman | Shane Robinson | Ruairi O'Connor |
| 04/06/2005 Jacksonville |
Mark Sauls | Aaron Cheesman | Danny Wardell | Tony Thomas | Bryan Henry | Ryne Jernigan | Ryne Malone | Shane Robinson | Jack Rye |
| 04/08/2005 Wake Forest |
Barret Browning | Aaron Cheesman | Ryne Malone | Tony Thomas | Bryan Henry | Ryne Jernigan | Gibbs Chapman | Shane Robinson | Jack Rye |
| 04/09/2005 Wake Forest |
Michael Hyde | Aaron Cheesman | Danny Wardell | Tony Thomas | Bryan Henry | Ryne Jernigan | Ryne Malone | Shane Robinson | Jack Rye |
| 04/10/2005 Wake Forest |
Hunter Jones | Aaron Cheesman | Ryne Malone | Tony Thomas | Bryan Henry | Ryne Jernigan | Gibbs Chapman | Shane Robinson | Jack Rye |
| 04/12/2005 Jacksonville |
Ryan Strauss | Aaron Cheesman | Danny Wardell | Tony Thomas | Ryne Malone | Ryne Jernigan | Gibbs Chapman | Shane Robinson | Jack Rye |
| 04/15/2005 Georgia Tech |
Barret Browning | Aaron Cheesman | Danny Wardell | Tony Thomas | Ryne Malone | Ryne Jernigan | Gibbs Chapman | Shane Robinson | Ruairi O'Connor |
| 04/16/2005 Georgia Tech |
Michael Hyde | Aaron Cheesman | Ryne Malone | Tony Thomas | Bryan Henry | Ryne Jernigan | Gibbs Chapman | Shane Robinson | Jack Rye |
| 04/17/2005 Georgia Tech |
Hunter Jones | Aaron Cheesman | Danny Wardell | Tony Thomas | Ryne Malone | Ryne Jernigan | Gibbs Chapman | Shane Robinson | Jack Rye |
| 04/19/2005 Florida |
Aaron Cheesman | Danny Wardell | Tony Thomas | Ryne Malone | Ryne Jernigan | Gibbs Chapman | Shane Robinson | Jack Rye | |
| 04/22/2005 Miami |
Mark Sauls | Aaron Cheesman | Danny Wardell | Tony Thomas | Ryne Malone | Ryne Jernigan | Gibbs Chapman | Shane Robinson | Jack Rye |
| 04/23/2005 Miami |
Barret Browning | Aaron Cheesman | Danny Wardell | Tony Thomas | Ryne Malone | Ryne Jernigan | Gibbs Chapman | Shane Robinson | Ruairi O'Connor |
| 04/24/2005 Miami |
Bryan Henry | Aaron Cheesman | Danny Wardell | Tony Thomas | Ryne Malone | Ryne Jernigan | Gibbs Chapman | Shane Robinson | Jack Rye |
| 04/29/2005 Virginia |
Bryan Henry | Aaron Cheesman | Danny Wardell | Tony Thomas | Ryne Malone | Ryne Jernigan | Gibbs Chapman | Shane Robinson | Jack Rye |
| 05/01/2005 Virginia |
Barret Browning | Aaron Cheesman | Danny Wardell | Tony Thomas | Ryne Malone | Ryne Jernigan | Gibbs Chapman | Shane Robinson | Jack Rye |
| 05/01/2005 Virginia |
Michael Hyde | Aaron Cheesman | Danny Wardell | Tony Thomas | Ryne Malone | Ryne Jernigan | Gibbs Chapman | Shane Robinson | Jack Rye |
| 05/03/2005 Florida |
Mark Sauls | Aaron Cheesman | Danny Wardell | Tony Thomas | Ryne Malone | Ryne Jernigan | Gibbs Chapman | Shane Robinson | Jack Rye |
| 05/06/2005 Maryland |
Bryan Henry | Aaron Cheesman | Danny Wardell | Tony Thomas | Ryne Malone | Ryne Jernigan | Gibbs Chapman | Shane Robinson | Jack Rye |
| 05/07/2005 Maryland |
Barret Browning | Aaron Cheesman | Danny Wardell | Tony Thomas | Ryne Malone | Ryne Jernigan | Gibbs Chapman | Shane Robinson | Jack Rye |
| 05/08/2005 Maryland |
Mark Sauls | Aaron Cheesman | Danny Wardell | Tony Thomas | Ryne Malone | Ryne Jernigan | Gibbs Chapman | Shane Robinson | Jack Rye |
| 05/10/2005 Stetson |
Hunter Jones | Aaron Cheesman | Danny Wardell | Tony Thomas | Ryne Malone | Ryne Jernigan | Gibbs Chapman | Shane Robinson | Jack Rye |
| 05/11/2005 Stetson |
Michael Hyde | Aaron Cheesman | Danny Wardell | Tony Thomas | Ryne Malone | Ryne Jernigan | Gibbs Chapman | Shane Robinson | Jack Rye |
| 05/13/2005 North Carolina |
Bryan Henry | Aaron Cheesman | Danny Wardell | Tony Thomas | Ryne Malone | Ryne Jernigan | Gibbs Chapman | Shane Robinson | Jack Rye |
| 05/14/2005 North Carolina |
Mark Sauls | Aaron Cheesman | Danny Wardell | Tony Thomas | Ryne Malone | Ryne Jernigan | Gibbs Chapman | Shane Robinson | Jack Rye |
| 05/15/2005 North Carolina |
Hunter Jones | Aaron Cheesman | Danny Wardell | Tony Thomas | Ryne Malone | Ryne Jernigan | Gibbs Chapman | Shane Robinson | Jack Rye |
| 05/17/2005 Jacksonville |
Michael Hyde | Aaron Cheesman | Danny Wardell | Tony Thomas | Ryne Malone | Ryne Jernigan | Gibbs Chapman | Shane Robinson | Jack Rye |
| 05/19/2005 North Carolina State |
Bryan Henry | Aaron Cheesman | Danny Wardell | Tony Thomas | Ryne Malone | Ryne Jernigan | Gibbs Chapman | Shane Robinson | Jack Rye |
| 05/21/2005 North Carolina State |
Mark Sauls | Aaron Cheesman | Danny Wardell | Tony Thomas | Ryne Malone | Ryne Jernigan | Gibbs Chapman | Shane Robinson | Jack Rye |
| 05/21/2005 North Carolina State |
Barret Browning | Aaron Cheesman | Danny Wardell | Tony Thomas | Ryne Malone | Ryne Jernigan | Gibbs Chapman | Shane Robinson | Jack Rye |
| 05/25/2005 North Carolina |
Bryan Henry | Aaron Cheesman | Danny Wardell | Tony Thomas | Ryne Malone | Ryne Jernigan | Gibbs Chapman | Shane Robinson | Jack Rye |
| 05/26/2005 Georgia Tech |
Mark Sauls | Aaron Cheesman | Danny Wardell | Tony Thomas | Ryne Malone | Ryne Jernigan | Gibbs Chapman | Shane Robinson | Jack Rye |
| 05/27/2005 Wake Forest |
Michael Hyde | Aaron Cheesman | Danny Wardell | Tony Thomas | Ryne Malone | Ryne Jernigan | Gibbs Chapman | Shane Robinson | Jack Rye |
| 05/28/2005 Georgia Tech |
Hunter Jones | Aaron Cheesman | Danny Wardell | Tony Thomas | Ryne Malone | Ryne Jernigan | Gibbs Chapman | Shane Robinson | Jack Rye |
| 06/03/2005 Army |
Michael Hyde | Aaron Cheesman | Danny Wardell | Tony Thomas | Ryne Malone | Ryne Jernigan | Gibbs Chapman | Shane Robinson | Jack Rye |
| 06/04/2005 Auburn |
Bryan Henry | Aaron Cheesman | Danny Wardell | Tony Thomas | Ryne Malone | Ryne Jernigan | Gibbs Chapman | Shane Robinson | Jack Rye |
| 06/05/2005 Auburn |
Mark Sauls | Aaron Cheesman | Danny Wardell | Tony Thomas | Ryne Malone | Ryne Jernigan | Gibbs Chapman | Shane Robinson | Jack Rye |
| 06/10/2005 Florida |
Bryan Henry | Aaron Cheesman | Danny Wardell | Tony Thomas | Ryne Malone | Ryne Jernigan | Gibbs Chapman | Shane Robinson | Jack Rye |
| 06/11/2005 Florida |
Mark Sauls | Aaron Cheesman | Danny Wardell | Tony Thomas | Ryne Malone | Ryne Jernigan | Gibbs Chapman | Shane Robinson | Jack Rye |
From the FSU Website seminoles.com2005 Batting Statistics
Name AVG GP GS AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI TB SLG% BB HBP SO GDP OB% SF SH SB ATT =========================================================================================================== Shane Robinson .427 73 73 286 96 122 25 4 6 43 173 .605 57 10 28 5 .532 2 4 49 56 Jack Rye .328 71 59 195 27 64 14 1 2 31 86 .441 31 2 24 4 .415 6 3 1 4 Brant Peacher .318 59 40 151 29 48 13 0 3 27 70 .464 20 5 30 4 .410 2 0 3 3 Ryne Malone .316 72 69 263 62 83 22 3 7 61 132 .502 50 4 59 3 .423 7 5 10 18 Aaron Cheesman .300 73 72 250 34 75 10 0 0 53 85 .340 51 7 28 9 .418 10 12 5 8 Gibbs Chapman .294 71 71 262 56 77 14 3 10 65 127 .485 47 8 61 2 .409 6 10 24 27 Danny Wardell .266 59 43 158 26 42 10 0 10 37 82 .519 24 6 46 2 .375 4 4 3 5 Josh Spivey .260 47 29 96 9 25 5 0 1 13 33 .344 17 1 20 3 .374 1 0 0 1 Nick Francis .250 23 9 40 12 10 1 0 0 3 11 .275 5 3 15 0 .375 0 1 0 0 Bryan Henry .246 55 42 114 14 28 11 0 1 25 42 .368 10 4 27 2 .323 2 5 3 4 Tony Thomas .240 72 71 217 54 52 11 5 6 29 91 .419 41 13 75 4 .388 2 8 9 12 Ruairi O'Connor .227 40 14 66 11 15 4 0 2 16 25 .379 8 1 8 3 .316 1 0 2 2 Ryne Jernigan .217 71 65 226 36 49 5 0 6 31 72 .319 19 9 47 7 .300 3 10 4 6 Charles Cleveland .206 24 7 34 3 7 3 1 0 7 12 .353 4 1 13 3 .308 0 0 0 0 Danny Diaz .200 27 2 20 4 4 2 0 1 2 9 .450 5 1 6 1 .385 0 0 0 1 Brandon Manasa .179 33 1 28 9 5 0 1 0 3 7 .250 5 0 10 0 .303 0 0 0 1 Dennis Guinn .000 16 0 11 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 .000 2 0 5 1 .143 1 0 0 0 Ryan Strauss .000 28 2 4 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 0 0 2 0 .000 0 0 0 0 Kevin Lynch .000 46 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 0 0 0 0 .000 0 0 0 0 Tyler Chambliss .000 39 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 0 0 0 0 .000 0 0 0 0 Matt DiBlasi .000 39 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 0 0 0 0 .000 0 0 0 0 Barret Browning .000 24 15 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 0 0 0 0 .000 0 0 0 0 Michael Hyde .000 20 17 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 0 0 0 0 .000 0 0 0 0 Mark Sauls .000 18 14 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 0 0 0 0 .000 0 0 0 0 Hunter Jones .000 18 12 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 0 0 0 0 .000 0 0 0 0 Brian Chambers .000 16 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 0 0 0 0 .000 0 0 0 0 Stephen Ochs .000 11 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 0 0 0 0 .000 0 0 0 0 Trent Jarvis .000 10 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 0 0 0 0 .000 0 0 0 0 Brian Schultz .000 4 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 0 0 0 0 .000 0 0 0 0 Glen Simon .000 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 0 0 0 0 .000 0 0 0 0 ====================================================================================== FSU .292 73 73 2421 484 706 150 18 55 447 1057 .437 396 75 504 53 .400 47 62 113 148 Opp .255 73 73 2464 322 629 95 5 40 283 854 .347 249 65 538 52 .338 16 49 54 902005 Pitching Statistics
Name ERA W L APP GS CG SHO CBO SV IP H R ER BB SO 2B 3B HR AB B/AVG WP HBP BK SFA SHA ======================================================================================================================== Brandon Manasa 0.00 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1.2 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 5 .200 0 0 0 0 0 Kevin Lynch 2.03 12 0 46 0 0 0 1 0 62.0 45 20 14 23 67 12 0 1 226 .199 2 3 0 1 4 Tyler Chambliss 2.06 7 3 39 0 0 0 1 15 52.1 36 19 12 23 73 0 1 2 184 .196 7 7 0 0 6 Bryan Henry 2.22 9 3 17 11 1 0 0 0 89.0 71 25 22 18 58 9 1 10 321 .221 0 7 3 2 4 Matt DiBlasi 2.76 1 2 39 0 0 0 0 0 42.1 34 17 13 14 44 11 0 0 157 .217 1 2 0 0 2 Barret Browning 3.54 4 4 24 15 0 0 1 0 89.0 92 44 35 48 74 11 2 6 337 .273 4 14 1 2 10 Mark Sauls 4.19 6 2 18 14 0 0 0 0 66.2 64 33 31 30 31 9 1 3 248 .258 4 5 2 3 3 Michael Hyde 4.40 7 2 20 17 0 0 0 0 100.1 108 57 49 36 71 18 0 9 388 .278 3 11 0 2 9 Ryan Strauss 4.58 1 0 14 2 0 0 2 2 19.2 20 12 10 14 19 0 0 1 77 .260 0 2 0 0 1 Brian Chambers 4.67 2 0 16 0 0 0 0 0 17.1 21 13 9 3 11 4 0 1 68 .309 1 3 0 1 1 Stephen Ochs 5.02 0 0 11 0 0 0 0 0 14.1 21 9 8 7 11 1 0 0 68 .309 3 1 0 0 1 Hunter Jones 5.05 4 3 18 12 1 0 2 0 71.1 87 52 40 20 56 14 0 5 287 .303 4 7 0 5 5 Brian Schultz 5.19 0 1 4 2 0 0 0 1 17.1 20 13 10 3 14 3 0 2 70 .286 0 1 1 0 3 Trent Jarvis 6.75 0 0 10 0 0 0 0 0 5.1 9 5 4 4 8 3 0 0 26 .346 4 2 0 0 0 Glen Simon 18.00 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 1.0 0 3 2 5 1 0 0 0 2 .000 0 0 0 0 0 ==================================================================================================== FSU 3.59 53 20 279 73 2 0 2 18 649.2 629 322 259 249 538 95 5 40 2464 .255 33 65 7 16 49 Opp 5.92 20 53 73 73 2 1 1 9 629.1 706 484 414 396 504 150 18 55 2421 .292 56 75 16 47 622005 Fielding Statistics
Name PO AST E FLD% DP ============================================= Dennis Guinn 23 1 0 1.000 1 Tyler Chambliss 2 7 0 1.000 1 Ryan Strauss 3 2 0 1.000 0 Stephen Ochs 1 3 0 1.000 0 Brian Schultz 0 3 0 1.000 0 Trent Jarvis 0 2 0 1.000 0 Danny Wardell 352 17 2 .995 38 Shane Robinson 159 3 1 .994 0 Aaron Cheesman 477 64 5 .991 3 Jack Rye 81 3 1 .988 0 Danny Diaz 49 6 1 .982 0 Ryne Malone 312 81 9 .978 32 Gibbs Chapman 102 4 3 .972 0 Mark Sauls 7 17 1 .960 1 Tony Thomas 170 196 16 .958 52 Kevin Lynch 3 14 1 .944 0 Brandon Manasa 17 16 2 .943 2 Ruairi O'Connor 29 1 2 .938 0 Ryne Jernigan 114 194 25 .925 41 Charles Cleveland 4 28 3 .914 4 Hunter Jones 4 6 1 .909 0 Bryan Henry 11 67 8 .907 0 Nick Francis 16 42 6 .906 13 Michael Hyde 6 20 3 .897 1 Barret Browning 6 17 3 .885 2 Brian Chambers 1 4 1 .833 0 Matt DiBlasi 0 3 1 .750 1 Brant Peacher 0 0 0 .000 0 Josh Spivey 0 0 0 .000 0 Glen Simon 0 0 0 .000 0 ======================== FSU 1949 821 95 .967 69 Opp 1888 688 94 .965 64
Florida State 2, Charleston Southern 1
01/28/2005, Tallahassee, Fla.
TALLAHASSEE, FL - A lot has been made about the youth of the 2005 Seminole baseball team but on opening day it was the veterans who made all the difference for Florida State. Senior catcher Aaron Cheesman drove in both FSU runs and junior Mark Sauls and senior Kevin Lynch allowed just one hit over eight innings while sophomore Tyler Chambliss pitched a perfect ninth as FSU opened the home portion of its schedule with a win for the 24th consecutive season. Florida State (1-0) scored two runs in the first three innings and then turned the game over to the pitching staff who allowed just one hit as the Seminoles held off Charleston Southern (0-1) 2-1.
On the night, FSU allowed just six base runners and had a no-hitter going until the eighth inning before CSU's Billy Dalton broke up the no-no bid with a double down the right field line. Sauls, who started opening day for the first time in his career, went 4.2 innings without allowing a hit before giving way to Lynch (1-0) who came in and picked up the win going 3.1 innings without allowing a run or a walk. Chambliss (1) finished the game off picking up the second save of his career.
"Opening day is just so special," said FSU head coach Mike Martin. "I wish the weather was a little warmer but I was very impressed with the way our guys approached the game. They really got after it. Charleston Southern is a team with a lot of veterans and they proved tonight they are a very good baseball team.
"We played very well defensively tonight. We got excellent pitching from Kevin Lynch and Tyler Chambliss. We didn't get the start we hoped from Mark Sauls although he pitched when he needed to. We have a tremendous amount of confidence in him and he will have the ball again next week. The young man is a winner and even though he didn't have his best stuff he stayed out there and kept battling."
Cheesman was the offensive star for the Garnet and Gold. The Sarasota, FL native reached base in three of his four at bats going 1-for-2 with two walks and two RBIs. Sophomore Shane Robinson also collected two hits as the Seminole leadoff hitter went 2-for-4 on the night. Newcomers Nick Francis and Bryan Henry both recorded hits in their first game as Seminoles with Henry recording FSU's lone extra base hit of the game, a double to the gap in right.
"There is no question that Cheesman is the leader of this club and he did a great job behind the plate tonight," said Martin. "The two runs he drove in, you have to credit those guys that got on base. Shane Robinson and Nick Francis did what they needed to do to set themselves up in scoring position. Shane's steal of third base was huge for us in the first inning."
The Tribe got off to a good start early on opening day. After Sauls went 1-2-3 in the top of the first, leadoff hitter Robinson started the season off by singling through the left side. He advanced on a ground out and then swiped third before Cheesman drove him home on a ground out to short staking the Garnet and Gold to an early 1-0 lead.
Florida State added to the lead in the third. Freshman shortstop Francis led off the inning with a hard hit single to third giving FSU a leadoff base runner for the second time in three frames. Francis moved into scoring position on a ground out. After Charleston Southern starter Brad Bissell (0-1) recorded his third K of the game, Cheesman came through once again. The senior laced a shot into right field plating Francis from second. It was the second RBI of the game for the team captain.
"It was a change-up and I could definitely tell they were trying to pitch around me to get to (Ryne) Malone to get left-on-left," said Cheesman. "He just made a mistake. He left the change right down the middle of the plate. I just stayed back on it and drove the ball into right field."
The Buccaneers cut the Seminoles lead in half in the top of the fourth without even recording their first hit of the game. An error and a wild pitch allowed Graham Maiden to come around and score the first CSU run of the day despite the fact Sauls still had a no-hitter in tact at that point. When the junior fell behind third baseman Brad Woods 3-0, Martin signaled for Lynch who came in to record the final out of the inning on the first of his five K's ending the CSU threat.
"I came out there with no pressure you know, a 3-0 count," said Lynch. "I just relaxed and tried to get ground balls just like Mark (Sauls) did today. I wanted to keep the ball on the ground and let the people behind me do their job."
"Kevin throws a lot of strikes," said Cheesman. "You put him in 3-0 and it really doesn't matter. You know Kevin can come in and get the guy out. He is an unbelievable competitor and he's got to be one of the best relief pitchers in the nation."
In the top of the eighth CSU leadoff hitter Dalton broke up FSU's no hit bid when he doubled down the right field line and past a diving Ryne Malone. Dalton ended up on third but Lynch continued to keep the Bucs at bay and ended the threat.
"When I am out there pitching I am not thinking about a no-hitter," said Lynch. "All I am thinking about is where I am throwing the baseball. It was a good pitch but the kid did a great job of poking it down the right field line. I tip my cap to him and go on to the next hitter."
The Seminoles will go after win No. 2 on the season Saturday, January 29 at 2:00 p.m. The Garnet and Gold is expected to throw Tallahassee, FL native Michael Hyde. It will be the first start for the sophomore as a Seminole after spending his first season at Tallahassee Community College. Game Tracker will be available for the contest along with a live radio broadcast available on WFLA locally and on the Internet at seminoles.com.
NAME POSITION AB R H RBI BB SO PO A
======================= ======== == == == === == == == ==
Shane Robinson CF 4 1 2 0 0 0 0 0
Gibbs Chapman LF 4 0 1 0 0 1 1 0
Aaron Cheesman C 2 0 1 2 2 0 10 1
Ryne Malone 1B 4 0 0 0 0 2 13 1
Brant Peacher DH 3 0 1 0 1 1 0 0
Ryne Jernigan PR 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Bryan Henry 3B 4 0 1 0 0 0 0 3
Tony Thomas 2B 3 0 0 0 1 1 0 2
Jack Rye RF 3 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
Nick Francis SS 3 1 1 0 0 0 1 3
Mark Sauls P 0 3
Kevin Lynch P 1 2
Tyler Chambliss P 0 0
========================
FSU 30 2 7 2 4 5 27 15
Opp 27 1 1 0 5 10 24 8
E - FSU-Nick Francis (1)
2B - Opp-1, FSU-Bryan Henry (1)
SH - Opp-1
SB - Opp-2, FSU-Shane Robinson (1), Gibbs Chapman (1)
CS - Opp-1, FSU-Shane Robinson (1)
NAME IP H R ER BB SO
============================== ==== == == == == ==
Mark Sauls 4.2 0 1 0 5 4
Kevin Lynch W (1-0) 3.1 1 0 0 0 5
Tyler Chambliss Sv(1) 1.0 0 0 0 0 1
===================
FSU 9.0 1 1 0 5 10
Opp L 8.0 7 2 2 4 5
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charleston Southern | ||||||||||||
| Florida State |
TALLAHASSEE, FL - Florida State baseball head coach Mike Martin knew pitching was one of his 2005 squad's strengths but not even he expected his staff to get off to such a good start. After the 18th-ranked Seminoles opened the season with a one-hit win over Charleston Southern Friday night, FSU turned around and two-hit the Buccaneers Saturday in a 9-2 victory. Sophomore Michael Hyde (1-0) pitched five innings and allowed just two unearned runs in picking up his first victory for FSU who improved to 2-0 on the season and assured themselves of winning the opening series of the year for the 24th consecutive season.
"If we could keep up our average of allowing just over a hit a game all year we'll have a heck of a season," said Martin. "We are very pleased to see our pitchers just go out and get the job done."
The Seminoles bats also came through Saturday in game two versus Charleston Southern (0-2). After going 1-for-16 with runners on base Friday night in a 2-1 win, the Seminoles came through with seven hits Saturday with runners on board. Seven different players recorded RBIs including Gibbs Chapman who had a multi-RBI game and senior Aaron Cheesman who recorded two RBIs for the second game in a row.
"We had some very good at bats today and I was very pleased that the guys showed discipline at the plate," said Martin. "We drew a lot of walks and that is important because you have to be able to get on base. We still saw some young players make mistakes but repetition will fix that. Overall, I thought we had a very good day offensively, defensively and pitching."
"We went out there today and got more comfortable with our bats and were more patient at the plate," said Ryne Malone who went 2-for-2 with three runs scored and an RBI. "We got runners on today and did a good job of getting them in."
In the first start of his FSU career, Hyde got off to a rough start in the first walking the first batter and then giving up a hit to the second batter he faced. A sac bunt moved the runners around but Hyde, trying to cut down the lead runner, threw the ball away allowing CSU to break out to a 1-0 lead. The Buccaneers added to their advantage on a wild pitch before Hyde worked his way out of the jam getting out of the inning while leaving the bases loaded.
"As you could see, I was pretty nervous in the first inning," said Hyde. "I have been dreaming my whole life of playing here (FSU). I have been coming to this stadium watching great players and I am really thankful to be a part of this now but I was definitely nervous that first inning.
"The coaches told me they had seen guys like Paul Wilson and John Wasdin come out here and struggle in the first innings of their careers. They told me now that the first inning is out of the way, go out and pitch like I am capable. That was what I tried to do."
After the two-run first where Hyde allowed two unearned runs, the sophomore cruised through the next four innings. He faced just one batter over the minimum giving up just one hit and issuing only one walk the rest of the way.
"I thought Michael pitched very well after that first inning," said Martin. "Obviously it was the first time he has ever pitched in this environment. I was very pleased with his poise. He showed a lot of composure. There were some young mistakes. I have seen it happen to other pitchers like Paul Wilson. I was just very pleased that he was able to show some poise. He showed us what he is all about tonight."
With FSU trailing for the first time in 2005, Shane Robinson started the Seminoles' half of the first with a walk and moved over to third on an errant throw on a pick-off attempt. With no outs and a runner on third, CSU starter Ian Holeman (0-1) got the next hitter before Cheesman came up and drove in his third run of the year when he doubled down the right field line on a bloop single that dropped just inside fair territory. A walk and a Brant Peacher single loaded the bases up with just one out bringing Bryan Henry to the plate. The Tallahassee native worked the count full and then got hit by the Holeman offering to drive in a run and tying the game at 2-2. Freshman Jack Rye then put the Seminoles ahead on a sac fly, the first RBI of his career.
"With the young guys on this team, we could have really folded early after falling behind," said Malone. "The guys did a good job of responding, going out and getting some runs and showing patience at the plate. When we got runners on base tonight we moved them along."
The Seminoles went back on the attack in the second as Nick Francis led off with a walk and was followed by Robinson who doubled down the left field line. After CSU made a pitching change bringing in Nick Evans, Chapman was retired bringing up FSU's hottest hitter in Cheesman who had three RBIs in three at bats in 2005. The senior came through again as his sac fly to right plated Francis and Malone followed with a bunt base hit scoring Robinson and extending FSU to a 5-2 lead. Peacher then recorded his second single of the day scoring Malone who moved up to second on a balk.
After taking two innings off, FSU built on its lead in the fifth with a two-out rally. Francis started it off with a double to the wall in left field. He was followed by Robinson who was walked. Both runners advanced on a passed ball bringing up Chapman. The left fielder doubled driving home both runners and bolstering the Seminoles' lead to 8-2.
"It felt really good to get that hit," said Chapman. "I have been swinging mainly at strikes but my timing has been off a little early in the season. It felt good to get a piece of one and drive it."
Freshman Ruairi O'Connor got into the act in the bottom of the sixth. The Illinois product who graduated high school early to enroll at FSU plated the Seminoles' ninth run of the game when his single scored Malone who doubled to start the inning.
Freshman Stephen Ochs and junior Matt DiBlasi combined to close the game out for FSU. Ochs went three innings without allowing a hit and DiBlasi finished the game with a perfect ninth inning.
The Seminoles will go for the sweep of the season opening series against Charleston Southern Sunday at 1:00 p.m. Florida State has swept its season opening series for six straight years. Barret Browning is scheduled to pitch for the Seminoles marking the second game in a row that FSU will throw a pitcher who has never played an inning for the Seminoles before making his first career start. Game Tracker will be available for the contest along with a live radio broadcast available on WFLA locally and on the Internet at seminoles.com.
NAME POSITION AB R H RBI BB SO PO A
======================= ======== == == == === == == == ==
Shane Robinson CF 3 3 1 0 2 0 3 0
Gibbs Chapman LF 5 0 2 2 0 2 2 0
Aaron Cheesman C 3 1 1 2 0 0 3 0
Danny Diaz C 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 0
Ryne Malone 1B 2 3 2 1 2 0 4 0
Dennis Guinn 1B 1 0 0 0 0 0 4 0
Brant Peacher DH 4 0 2 1 1 0 0 0
Bryan Henry 3B 2 0 0 1 0 1 1 1
Charles Cleveland PH-3B 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 2
Jack Rye RF 1 0 0 1 0 1 1 0
Ruairi O'Connor PH-RF 2 0 1 1 0 0 1 0
Tony Thomas 2B 2 0 0 0 2 1 5 1
Brandon Manasa 2B 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1
Nick Francis SS 2 2 1 0 1 1 0 2
Ryne Jernigan PH-SS 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Michael Hyde P 0 2
Stephen Ochs P 0 0
Matt DiBlasi P 0 0
========================
FSU 31 9 10 9 8 6 27 9
Opp 28 2 2 0 5 5 24 6
E - Opp-1, FSU-Michael Hyde (1)
2B - FSU-Shane Robinson (1), Gibbs Chapman (1), Aaron Cheesman (1), Ryne Malone (1), Nick Francis (1)
HBP - Opp-2, FSU-Bryan Henry (1)
SH - Opp-1
SF - FSU-Aaron Cheesman (1), Jack Rye (1)
SB - Opp-1
NAME IP H R ER BB SO
============================== ==== == == == == ==
Michael Hyde W (1-0) 5.0 2 2 0 3 3
Stephen Ochs 3.0 0 0 0 2 2
Matt DiBlasi 1.0 0 0 0 0 0
===================
FSU 9.0 2 2 0 5 5
Opp L 8.0 10 9 9 8 6
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charleston Southern | ||||||||||||
| Florida State |
TALLAHASSEE, FL - For the 11th consecutive year the Florida State baseball team opened the season with a series sweep. The Seminoles pounded out 13 hits in an 11-4 win over Charleston Southern (0-3) Sunday bolstering the squad's record to 3-0. Florida State's 1-2-3 hitters combined to go 8-for-14 with five runs scored and eight RBIs while Kevin Lynch picked up his second win of the season and Tyler Chambliss recorded his second save.
"We did a lot of things right today," said head coach Mike Martin. "I thought our two-out approach was excellent. We scored two or three runs with two outs and that's important if you want to be successful. We did a very good job on our at bats today. We still have a long way to go but it is a nice start."
The top of the FSU order, Shane Robinson, Gibbs Chapman and Aaron Cheesman, continued to be the catalyst for the FSU offense Sunday. Each player recorded multi-hit and multi-RBI games. Cheesman's three RBIs boosted his total to seven for the series, a mark he didn't reach until the eighth game of the season in 2004. Chapman and Robinson each recorded two doubles and they are now the club's top two hitters with Chapman batting .429 and Robinson off to a monster start with a .545 average.
"Shane played these three ballgames like we knew he was capable of playing," said Martin. "This is a baseball player. He is an outstanding center fielder. He runs well and he is swinging the bat now exactly like we want him to. He is doing the little things it takes to get on base."
"It is definitely a good feeling," said Robinson. "I am off to a good start and I hope to continue that through the rest of the season. I think my confidence is up a lot from my experience in summer ball and I just saw the ball really well all weekend."
The 3-0 start to the season is a key for this Seminole club, which is starting four first-year players. One of those newcomers who made an impact immediately is third baseman Bryan Henry. The sophomore had another big day going 2-for-5 with three RBIs. He now has two doubles and four RBIs in his first three starts.
"Opening weekend was a great feeling," said Henry. "It is great to get that first ground ball out of the way, first hit and the first everything. Now we are ready to just go out, have fun and play more baseball. It is a dream come true for me to play at Florida State and I can't even describe what that felt like this weekend."
"A lot of freshmen coming into the first series will have jitters," said Robinson. "I had it last year. They (the young players) are making strides and gaining confidence with every appearance, at bat and play in the field. The young guys are really stepping up and helping out the team already. We need that for this to come together."
Just like Michael Hyde the day before, Barret Browning's first FSU start got off to a less than perfect start. The junior transfer walked the first batter and gave up a single to put runners on first and second with nobody out. Another walk loaded the bases bringing up CSU clean-up hitter Graham Maiden who came in to the game hitting .167 in the series. Browning got Maiden looking at strike three for the first out and then he put an end to the Buccaneer threat with a 1-2-3 double play to end the top of the first getting out of the inning unscathed.
Thanks to two Charleston Southern errors and a hit batter in the bottom of the second, the Seminoles mounted their first scoring threat of the day. With the bases loaded and two outs CSU starter Bobby Parnell (0-1) couldn't get out of the jam as Robinson came through with a single through the left side plating his first two RBIs of the year. A walk to Chapman loaded the bases once again but Parnell fought his way out of the inning.
After making two stellar defensive plays in the field in the top of the third, Henry delivered with his bat in the bottom of the frame. Ryne Malone drew a walk to start the inning and Henry came through with a double into the gap in left scoring Malone from first and putting FSU up 3-0.
"That was a good feeling," said Henry. "I was just trying to keep my hands inside the ball. Coach Martin has been telling me to let the opportunities come to me and don't try go out and make things happen. That is what I tried to do."
The Seminoles added to the lead in the fourth. Robinson started things off when he singled on a dribbler down the third baseline. The sophomore then swiped second and came home on a hard hit single by Chapman up the middle.
With the Garnet and Gold up 4-0, CSU tried to mount a comeback in the top of the fifth. A single and a walk, sandwiched around an out, put runners on first and second. Martin, not wanting to let CSU back in the game, went to ace reliever Lynch (2-0) to try to put an end to the threat. The senior right-hander did just that recording a strikeout and fly out to end the top of the fifth. While Lynch went on to record the win, Browning went 4.1 innings without allowing a run.
"Barret walked five people and gave up two hits so to me that is seven hits but the guy showed good poise and you have to remember it is his first outing," said Martin. "It is what you expect of a guy pitching in this environment for the first time. He is going to be a very good pitcher before it is said and done. He threw too much today and didn't pitch. When he struggled today he was throwing."
"I felt good out there," said Browning. "I was very relaxed. As a junior college transfer I have had some experience at this level. I was excited about my first start and I struggled a little bit with some things but I am very happy with the win. I gave my team the opportunity to get a victory and that was all they asked of me. I feel like I did my part but there are things I still need to work on."
Buccaneer killer Robinson continued to do damage in the bottom of the fifth. After Nick Francis singled off new CSU pitcher Nino Fasulo, Robinson drove a double just inside the left field line that bounced off the wall and scored the freshman shortstop from first. The hit was the third of the day for Robinson and his third RBI of the game as well.
Charleston Southern used a hit batter, a single and a sac bunt to put a couple of runners in scoring position in the top of the sixth against Lynch. The senior loaded the bases with a walk and a sacrifice fly brought in CSU's first run of the game. A bouncing single up the middle plated another run for the Bucs before a hit batter loaded the bases up with two away. Lynch ended the rally though by inducing a fly ball to right leaving the bases full of Buccaneers.
Florida State looked to get the two runs back in the bottom of the sixth as Cheesman was hit by a pitch to lead things off and Malone drew a walk. Ryne Jernigan followed with a single to load the bases. Henry came up and cashed in by bouncing a chopper over third scoring two more runs and upping Henry's total to three RBIs on the day.
The Seminoles went up 8-2 in the seventh when Chapman recorded a single and a steal to get himself in scoring position. Cheesman followed with an RBI single through the left side for his fifth RBI of the season and his third straight game with a run batted in. A Malone single and walk to Jernigan loaded the bases with just one away but Fasulo got the second out on a K and then ended the threat on a grounder to second.
Ryan Strauss came on for FSU in the top of the eighth and gave up back-to-back base hits to start his FSU career. After recording the first out of the inning on a grounder the Buccaneers plated their third run of the game on another ground ball out. A dribbler down the third base line made the score 8-4 with Strauss still looking for that third out in the eighth. The freshman walked the next batter and hit another CSU hitter to load the bases before giving way to Chambliss. The sophomore came in and needed just five pitches to end the threat with a strikeout of pinch hitter Blake Freeman.
A couple of walks and a ground out put runners on the corners for FSU in the eighth for new CSU hurler Payton Tweddale. The left-handed freshman couldn't hold down the Seminole offense though as Chapman delivered a double off the screen in right making it a 9-4 game. Cheesman followed with a two-RBI single up the middle upping his RBI total to seven on the year and finishing off the scoring as FSU went ahead 11-4.
The Seminoles will be back in action next Friday when they host VMI in a three-game series. The games are scheduled for 3:30 Friday, February 4, 2:00 Saturday, February 5 and 1:00 Sunday, February 6. Game Tracker will be available for all three contests along with a live radio broadcast available on WFLA locally and on the Internet at seminoles.com.
NAME POSITION AB R H RBI BB SO PO A
======================= ======== == == == === == == == ==
Shane Robinson CF 4 2 3 3 2 0 3 0
Gibbs Chapman LF 5 2 3 2 1 1 0 0
Aaron Cheesman C 5 1 2 3 0 1 7 1
Danny Diaz C 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0
Ryne Malone 1B 4 2 1 0 2 0 10 0
Brant Peacher DH 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Ryne Jernigan PR-SS 1 0 1 0 2 0 0 0
Bryan Henry 3B 5 0 2 3 0 1 1 1
Charles Cleveland 3B 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 1
Jack Rye RF 4 1 0 0 0 1 2 0
Ruairi O'Connor RF 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Tony Thomas 2B 2 2 0 0 2 2 0 1
Brandon Manasa 2B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Nick Francis SS-DH 5 1 1 0 0 1 1 3
Barret Browning P 0 2
Kevin Lynch P 0 1
Matt DiBlasi P 0 0
Ryan Strauss P 0 0
Tyler Chambliss P 0 0
========================
FSU 38 11 13 11 9 8 27 10
Opp 31 4 8 4 8 9 24 7
E - Opp-2
2B - FSU-Shane Robinson (2), Gibbs Chapman (2), Bryan Henry (2)
HBP - Opp-4, FSU-Aaron Cheesman (1), Brant Peacher (1), Tony Thomas (1)
SH - Opp-2, FSU-Jack Rye (1)
SF - Opp-1
SB - Opp-3, FSU-Shane Robinson 2 (3), Gibbs Chapman (2), Ryne Jernigan (1), Tony Thomas (1)
NAME IP H R ER BB SO
============================== ==== == == == == ==
Barret Browning 4.1 2 0 0 5 2
Kevin Lynch W (2-0) 1.2 2 2 2 1 1
Matt DiBlasi 1.0 0 0 0 0 2
Ryan Strauss 0.2 3 2 2 1 0
Tyler Chambliss Sv(2) 1.1 1 0 0 1 4
===================
FSU 9.0 8 4 4 8 9
Opp L 8.0 13 11 11 9 8
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charleston Southern | ||||||||||||
| Florida State |
TALLAHASSEE, FL - Last weekend the 18th-ranked FSU baseball team got good pitching, solid defense and timely hits in a sweep of Charleston Southern. The Seminoles used the same formula Friday night as they won the first game of the VMI (0-1) series 8-2. Aaron Cheesman and Shane Robinson both recorded multi-hit games and Mark Sauls (1-0) picked up the win as FSU improved to 4-0 for the first time since 2000.
"I didn't know this was our first 4-0 start since 2000," said head coach Mike Martin. "All I knew was we played very good baseball last weekend and we were hoping to continue that today. When you see a zero in that last column (errors), I am very pleased with the way we are playing defense."
Sauls went five innings for Florida State and allowed just one run, the first given up by a Seminole starter in 16.2 innings. The junior struck out five and issued just two walks. Brian Schultz, a 2004 freshman All-American, saw his first action of the year and picked up the save going four innings. He struck out one batter and issued just one walk.
"Our pitching was very gutsy today," said Martin. "Sauls had one bad inning but he did not lose his poise. He got us into the dugout. He is just a good competitor."
"I hoped to get my first win last weekend and it just didn't happen," said Sauls. "This week I wanted to throw more strikes and not walk as many people. I just went out there and tried to throw strikes today. I walked too many batters last week. Last week I walked five people and that is like giving up five hits. Things were better today."
Cheesman and Robinson continued to pace the club offensively. Florida State has now scored 30 runs in the first four games of the year and Cheesman and Robinson are leading that charge. Robinson went 3-for-5 versus VMI with two doubles, two runs scored and an RBI. Cheesman went 2-for-3 with one extra base hit. The senior catcher now leads the team with eight RBIs, more than twice as many as any other Seminole and he is batting .462. Robinson is off to a torrid start as well. The sophomore raised his average to .563 and he is slugging .813.
"When Cheesman is able to hit with runners on base, he takes advantage of the situation," said Martin. "When you have played in the number of exciting games that he has played in, you aren't intimidated or anxious. When you get up there in run scoring situations, the pitcher has to throw Cheesman a good pitch because he isn't going to chase it. He has the ability and takes advantage of that."
"I am going up to bat with a positive outlook and I have been seeing the ball well," said Robinson. "I am just coming out each day and trying to get the job done whenever I can. So far it has been working."
Freshmen Tony Thomas, Jr. and Nick Francis, the middle of the Florida State infield, continued the good starts to their careers. Neither made an error and both made big plays at the plate as well. Francis went 1-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored while Thomas went 2-for-3 with the first two RBIs of his career and one of the hardest hit doubles of the season to date.
"I was just looking for a pitch to drive and got one on the inner third and put it into the gap," said Thomas. "I was happy it carried as far as it did but I was hoping it would go a little further. That's fine with me because I'll take a double."
"I have been pleased with the poise of our young players," said Martin. "Last week they got their feet on the ground and this weekend I was glad to see both Tony and Nick play like they had three games under their belts. It was not a big deal to them today. I am just very pleased with the way both of those guys are playing."
Just like he did in his first outing of the season, Sauls breezed through the top of the first setting VMI down in order with two outs coming via strike outs. Robinson then got things started for FSU in the bottom of the first by doubling down the left field line, his third double of the season. After VMI starter Duke Acors (0-1) got Gibbs Chapman, Cheesman continued his tear singling to right center and driving in his eighth run of the year. Ryne Malone drew a walk and Josh Spivey singled but the freshman got caught trying to stretch it into a double for the second out leaving runners on second and third before Acors ended the threat on a strike out.
The Keydets recorded their first two hits of the game in the top of the second but VMI didn't threaten to break up the shutout as Sauls ended the inning with his third K of the game. Thomas came up in the bottom of the frame and recorded the first hit of his career in the second and stole a base. Robinson then came up big once again. He doubled for the second time in the game scoring Thomas and putting FSU up 2-0.
In the top of the third, VMI looked to cut into the FSU lead as two more singles put runners on the corners with just one away. A sacrifice fly produced the second out and the first run of the day for the Keydets. The fifth hit of the day put runners on first and third before Sauls' first walk of the game loaded the bases. The junior fought his way out of danger though with a grounder to second base ending the top of the third.
While the third inning was a struggle for Sauls, the junior cruised through the fourth setting VMI down in order including his fourth and fifth strike outs of the game.
In the bottom of the fifth, the Seminoles added to their lead. Chapman started the inning off with a walk and was followed by Cheesman who doubled down the left field line. Malone then plated FSU's third run on a sac fly to right. Back-to-back walks loaded the bases with only one out but Acors got the next hitter leaving FSU with the sacks full and two outs. Francis came through though as he blooped a single into shallow right field plating two runs and putting FSU in front 5-1. Thomas then followed with a double to the warning track in center field clearing the bases for a 7-1 lead.
"That hit really just gets me more comfortable up there," said Francis. "I am more relaxed now."
Schultz (1) came in to the game in the sixth and the 2004 freshman All-American gave up a couple of hits but kept the Keydets at bay until the eighth. VMI cut into the lead when Schultz gave up a single and a double after a walk to cut the FSU advantage to 7-2. The Keydets were unable to do any more damage versus Schultz as the sophomore finished his third inning of work.
FSU got the run back in the bottom of the eighth. Robinson recorded his third hit of the game and moved to third on back-to-back wild pitches. Brandon Manasa then scored the sophomore on a ground out to second.
The Seminoles will go after their fifth straight win to start the season Saturday, February 5 at 2:00 p.m. The last time FSU started a season at 5-0 was 1999 and that season FSU finished the season second in the nation and playing for the national championship. The Garnet and Gold is expected to throw Tallahassee, FL native Michael Hyde (1-0) who is looking for his second win of the season. Game Tracker will be available for the contest along with a live radio broadcast available on WFLA locally and on the Internet at seminoles.com.
NAME POSITION AB R H RBI BB SO PO A
======================= ======== == == == === == == == ==
Shane Robinson CF 5 2 3 1 0 0 2 0
Gibbs Chapman LF 2 1 0 0 1 0 3 0
Brandon Manasa PH-LF 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0
Aaron Cheesman C 3 1 2 1 1 0 7 0
Danny Diaz C 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0
Ryne Malone 1B 2 0 0 1 1 0 6 0
Dennis Guinn 1B 1 0 0 0 0 1 3 0
Josh Spivey DH 2 0 2 0 0 0 0 0
Brant Peacher PH-DH 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0
Bryan Henry 3B 2 1 0 0 1 1 0 3
Danny Wardell PH 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Charles Cleveland 3B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
Jack Rye RF 3 0 0 0 0 1 0 0
Ruairi O'Connor RF 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Nick Francis SS 4 1 1 2 0 1 0 4
Tony Thomas 2B 3 1 2 2 0 0 4 2
Ryne Jernigan 2B 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 0
Mark Sauls P 0 1
Brian Schultz P 0 1
========================
FSU 32 8 10 8 6 5 27 12
Opp 35 2 11 2 3 8 24 11
E - Opp-1
2B - Opp-1, FSU-Shane Robinson 2 (4), Aaron Cheesman (2), Tony Thomas (1)
HBP - FSU-Gibbs Chapman (1)
SF - Opp-1, FSU-Ryne Malone (1)
SB - FSU-Shane Robinson (4), Tony Thomas (2)
NAME IP H R ER BB SO
============================== ==== == == == == ==
Mark Sauls W (1-0) 5.0 6 1 1 2 5
Brian Schultz Sv(1) 4.0 5 1 1 1 3
===================
FSU 9.0 11 2 2 3 8
Opp L 8.0 10 8 8 6 5
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia Military | ||||||||||||
| Florida State |
TALLAHASSEE, FL - The 18th-ranked FSU baseball team had been behind just once all season coming into Saturday's second game with VMI and that came in the first inning of the second game of the year. That deficit was erased in the bottom of the first. Versus the Keydets Saturday, Florida State found itself trailing in the bottom of the seventh inning and then, after regaining the lead, saw it slip away again in the top of the ninth. Thanks to Brant Peacher's two out double and Bryan Henry's walk-off single, the Seminoles moved out to 5-0 for the first time since 1999 with a 6-5 victory over VMI (0-2). The win gave FSU head coach Mike Martin his 1,343rd victory, moving the Seminole boss past legendary USC head coach Rod Dedeaux and into sixth place all-time among Division 1 coaches for wins.
"That was a big win for us this early in the season," said Martin. "We are playing a quality team (VMI). They are a team whose record was not impressive last year but a team that is vastly improved from 2004. They are going to cause problems in their league. I am very impressed with them. I do not see a weakness. They do everything very well. We just happened to get two key hits in the ninth inning to win it but give VMI a lot of credit. They deserve it."
"It sure is something special in the fifth game of the year for us to get down and find a way to come back," said team captain Aaron Cheesman. "I think it showed a lot of character for our guys to hang in there and not get their heads down. VMI is a very good team. They are very scrappy. You can't name a weakness they have and they are a lot better than people may think they are."
Seminole closer Tyler Chambliss (1-0) picked up the victory but it came the hard way as the sophomore couldn't hold on to the 5-4 lead in the top of the ninth setting the stage for Henry and Peacher's heroics. With two outs in the bottom of the ninth Peacher got the rally started with a double down the left field line.
"I was just up there looking for a good pitch to hit," said Peacher. "I have been struggling a little bit lately. He (VMI pitcher Corey Bachman) was coming inside with the fastball and I was taking good cuts at it. He tried to break off a curve and I stayed back and put a good swing on it. I happened to get a double out of it."
That brought up fellow sophomore Henry. The Tallahassee native was hitless in his last seven at bats when he stepped to the plate in the bottom of the ninth with the winning run at second.
"I got a little pep talk from Cheese (Aaron Cheesman) before I went up there," said Henry. "I came up with a guy on third my last at bat and forced something to happen. He told me to just sit back and let it come to you. I was looking for something I could hit away because they had been staying away from me all day."
Bachman (0-1) fell behind Henry 3-1. The right-handed sophomore then threw a fastball away that Henry went the other way with and dropped into right field scoring pinch runner Ryne Jernigan from second base giving the Seminoles the victory.
"I didn't try to do too much and just went with what he gave me and good things happened," said Henry. "They say people remember the last thing you do and that was a good note to end on. I don't know if I will be able to sleep tonight. This is a dream come true to see the fans go crazy in my hometown. You can't ask for anything better."
"Peacher came through and then Bryan came to the plate and he'd been struggling a little," said Cheesman. "To forget about all the other at bats you had and come out there and be confident in yourself and come through in the clutch like that says a lot about Bryan Henry."
While Chambliss picked up the win, it was sophomore Michael Hyde who started the game and had another very strong outing. The Tallahassee native pitched five innings, walked three, struck out one and allowed two runs and left the game in line for a win. The Tallahassee Community College product started the game strong needing just 13 pitches as he breezed through the top of the first setting down VMI in order. The sophomore made it look easy into the third as he had yet to give up a hit in a 0-0 game.
The Florida State offense gave Hyde some breathing room in the bottom of the third inning. Shane Robinson started the rally with an infield single. Cheesman came through with a two out single through the left side to put runners on the corners for Ryne Malone. The first baseman almost had the Seminoles' first home run of the year when he blasted a shot high off the fence in right. The double cleared the bases and put FSU in front 2-0. Josh Spivey then smashed a line drive to first plating the third run of the inning.
"It is starting to loosen up a little bit and I am starting to see the ball a little better," said Malone. "The good thing is we are getting wins and we seem to be coming together as a ball club right now."
The Keydets tried to cut into the Seminole lead in the top of the fourth as Hyde gave up his first walk and hit of the inning. VMI was unable to capitalize though as the runner at third was thrown out at home on a pitch out that ended with Nick Francis gunning the base runner out at the plate.
Hyde got into his first real jam of the game in the top of the fifth. A walk and single put runners on the corners and Thane Smith cashed in with a single into right cutting the score to 3-1. A sac bunt moved both runners into scoring position and Hyde's second walk of the inning loaded the bases. A ground out scored VMI's second run of the inning and cut the FSU lead to 3-2.
In the top of the sixth VMI scored two runs off relief pitcher Kevin Lynch putting the Seminoles behind for just the second time all season and the first time since falling behind 2-0 to Charleston Southern in the top of the first in just the second game of the year. The Keydets used two walks, a double and a single to plate their two runs but Lynch came back and ended the rally with back-to-back called third strikes.
In the bottom of the seventh FSU responded. The Seminoles got a lead off walk from Gibbs Chapman and Cheesman followed with a single through the right side. Malone then laid down a bunt single to load the bases. A passed ball moved everybody up a base and tied the game at 4-4. Peacher then came up and his ground out put FSU in the lead at 5-4.
"I can't remember a time when we have gone into the seventh inning down this year," said Martin. "We have been up every game going into the seventh inning. It really showed me a lot that this ball club can get it done."
After pitching two perfect innings where he struck out three batters and didn't allow a hit, Matt DiBlasi gave way to Chambliss in the top of the ninth. A Thane Smith single and sac bunt put the tying run in scoring position for the Keydets with just one away. Chambliss got the second out on his first K of the game but Matt Smith's single to center field tied the contest setting up the Seminoles' heroics in the bottom of the ninth.
"DiBlasi is a guy that gets overlooked," said Martin. "He helped us take control of this game and go ahead. Of course we weren't able to hold the lead in the ninth inning."
The Seminoles will go after their second consecutive series sweep Sunday, February 6 at 1:00 p.m. The Garnet and Gold is expected to throw junior Barret Browning (0-0) who will be making his second start of the season. Game Tracker will be available for the contest along with a live radio broadcast available on WFLA locally and on the Internet at seminoles.com.
NAME POSITION AB R H RBI BB SO PO A
======================= ======== == == == === == == == ==
Shane Robinson CF 3 1 1 0 1 2 0 0
Gibbs Chapman LF 4 1 1 0 1 1 2 0
Aaron Cheesman C 5 2 2 0 0 0 9 1
Ryne Malone 1B 4 1 2 2 1 0 11 0
Josh Spivey DH 2 0 1 1 0 0 0 0
Brant Peacher PH-DH 3 0 1 1 0 1 0 0
Ryne Jernigan PR 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0
Bryan Henry 3B 5 0 1 1 0 1 0 0
Nick Francis SS 4 0 0 0 0 3 1 6
Tony Thomas 2B 4 0 1 0 0 0 3 3
Jack Rye RF 2 0 0 0 2 0 1 0
Michael Hyde P 0 3
Kevin Lynch P 0 0
Matt DiBlasi P 0 0
Tyler Chambliss P 0 1
========================
FSU 36 6 10 5 5 8 27 14
Opp 31 5 7 5 5 8 26 9
E - Opp-2, FSU-Nick Francis (2)
2B - Opp-1, FSU-Ryne Malone (2), Brant Peacher (1)
SH - Opp-2, FSU-Shane Robinson (1)
SB - Opp-1
CS - Opp-1
NAME IP H R ER BB SO
============================== ==== == == == == ==
Michael Hyde 5.0 3 2 2 3 1
Kevin Lynch 1.0 2 2 2 2 2
Matt DiBlasi 2.0 0 0 0 0 3
Tyler Chambliss W (1-0) 1.0 2 1 1 0 2
===================
FSU 9.0 7 5 5 5 8
Opp L 8.2 10 6 5 5 8
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia Military | ||||||||||||
| Florida State |
TALLAHASSEE, FL - The 18th-ranked Florida State baseball team completed its second straight sweep to start the season with a dominant 15-0 win in the series finale with VMI (0-3) Sunday. It is only the fourth time in program history that FSU has started a season with back-to-back sweeps of three-game series. Three FSU pitchers combined on the first shutout of the season and freshman Ruairi O'Connor recorded one of FSU's season high 13 hits, which also happened to be the first Seminole home run of the season. Junior Barret Browning (1-0) picked up the win as FSU moved out to 6-0, its best start since 1999.
"It is exciting to see the way these young guys are playing," said head coach Mike Martin. "It is fun to see people get better each day they come out. It is fun to see guys that haven't started get a chance to play and have good games. I am just excited and pleased about how this team preformed today. We are off to a good start."
The Florida State offense not only equaled a season high in hits, the 15 runs were the most scored so far in 2005. Overall, FSU either set or tied six single game season highs offensively in the game. Nine different players recorded RBIs and the first two home runs of the season were hit by O'Connor and back-up catcher sophomore Danny Diaz.
"You expect (Ryne) Malone or (Gibbs) Chapman to go deep but Ruairi and I can swing the bat as good as the rest of them," said Diaz. "There is no weakness on this team up and down the line-up. We are a deep team."
Eleven different Seminoles recorded a hit Sunday with Shane Robinson leading the way again going 3-for-4 with another RBI. He upped his team leading batting average to .565. Danny Wardell, Diaz and O'Connor each recorded multi-RBI games. The Seminoles are now averaging over eight runs a game in their first six outings and the team is batting .309.
While the FSU offense was cruising, the pitching staff was matching them inning by inning. The Seminole staff recorded its first shutout of the season and lowered the team ERA to 1.83. Browning had another impressive outing as the junior upped his scoreless innings streak to 9.1 while picking up the first win of his FSU career. Browning is the only FSU starter to not allow a run in any appearance.
"I have never been the type of person that is worried about my individual stats," said Browning. "It is a great feeling to be successful and have good stats but the thing that sticks out most to me is we got a win today. That is all that matters. It is encouraging to come out and have good outings but in the end all that matters is that the team wins."
"We like the way Barret threw the majority of the time today," said Martin. "I think he walked four, which is not what we are looking for. He did show a lot of poise in getting out of a jam. He has a very live arm he is a good competitor and I am anxious to see how he improves each week."
The FSU coaches also got their first chance to see Hunter Jones as the left-hander made his first appearance since a season-ending injury in 2004. The junior pitched three innings without allowing a hit or a walk while fanning three batters.
"It felt great to get back out there," said Jones who was one of FSU's top starters in 2004. "I am ready to get back out there and do it again. Everybody was joking around with me that I couldn't get it over 80 anymore but today I finally felt like I used to. Hopefully I keep progressing and hitting my spots."
"Hunter is going to make the other club beat him," said Martin. "He is not going to go out and walk a lot of people. He spots the fastball very well normally. I thought today he was just excited to be Hunter Jones. That is the first time I have seen him throw like himself in almost a year. As a freshman he led our team in appearances and last year his was No. 1 in our rotation the majority of the year. We are excited that he is healthy."
Like every FSU starter this season, Browning got off to a good start and needed just four pitches to record the first two outs of the game but a hit batter and a bloop double down the right field line put two VMI base runners in scoring position. The junior leftie got out of trouble though as designated hitter Jacoby Fields got caught looking at strike three to end the threat.
Brant Peacher continued his hot hitting from Saturday when he started the second inning off by doubling into left field. VMI starter Mike Anton (0-1) then hurt his own cause when he threw two balls away going to first base, both allowing FSU runs to score. Robinson then recorded his second hit of the game as his single to center field scored the Seminoles' third run of the inning.
Browning got into some trouble in the top of the third. The junior issued three walks, two to start off the inning, to load the bases for VMI but a slow roller back to the mound ended the threat keeping the shutout in tact.
"Just like everyday, I put my trust in my defense and I just tried to throw strikes," said Browning. "I just tried to bear down and get through that inning with as little damage as possible."
The Seminoles added to their lead in the fourth. After new VMI pitcher Jimmy Thoms got the first two outs, Robinson recorded his third hit of the day and the second on an infield smash. Gibbs Chapman then scored the speedy left fielder on a double to deep right.
The Garnet and Gold bats came to life in a big way in the bottom of the fifth as the Seminoles added four more runs on five hits. Ryne Malone started things off with an extra base hit as he recorded his third double of the year. After Peacher was retired, Bryan Henry doubled off the wall and was followed by Tony Thomas, Jr. who singled. O'Connor, making his first start of the season, then came up and hit the first home run of the season for FSU as he blasted a 1-0 pitch off the scoreboard in left field.
"It was a great feeling," said O'Connor. "I can't even explain what I was feeling coming around the bases. I got a curtain call, wow. It was an even better feeling to go 6-0 and have us come out of the weekend healthy. It was a great day to play in front of our great fans.
"My first at bat their pitcher threw me a slider and a fastball in. The second at bat he did the same thing and I was looking for it. I happened to get my barrel on it and it went out. It was an unbelievable feeling."
In the sixth, FSU went looking to bolster its lead. Three walks, sandwiched around one out, loaded the bases against VMI pitcher John Goode. Pinch hitter Nick Francis reached on an error at third allowing two more runs to score and bolstering the FSU lead to 10-0.
The offensive onslaught continued for Florida State in the seventh. New pitcher Alex Di Dio hit and walked the first two batters and new left fielder Danny Wardell plated them both with a double down the left field line. The senior wasn't standing on second for long though as catcher Danny Diaz followed with a towering blast over the wall in left for first home run of his career and the 13th and 14th runs of the game for the Seminoles.
It is nice to get that first career home run out of the way," said Diaz. "Backing up a guy like Aaron (Cheesman) you try to learn from him every day you are out there and take advantage of the opportunities you get. That is what I tried to do."
The Seminoles return to action next weekend as the Auburn Tigers (3-0) come to town for a three-game series beginning Friday, February 11 at 3:30 p.m. World Series champion and gold medal winner Doug Mientkiewicz will be at Saturday's Auburn game taking pictures with FSU license tag owners prior to the game. If you "Brag with the Tag", bring your drivers license to the game and meet the Seminole great. Sunday FSU will hold a special ceremony prior to the game to dedicate the "Lee Bowen Radio Booth". Fans are asked to get to the 1:00 game at least 15 minutes early for this special dedication. Game Tracker will be available for all three contests along with a live radio broadcasts available on WFLA locally and on the Internet at seminoles.com.
NAME POSITION AB R H RBI BB SO PO A
======================= ======== == == == === == == == ==
Shane Robinson CF 4 1 3 1 0 0 0 0
Danny Wardell LF 2 1 1 2 0 1 0 0
Gibbs Chapman LF 2 1 1 1 2 1 2 0
Jack Rye RF 1 1 1 0 1 0 1 0
Aaron Cheesman C 2 1 0 0 2 0 5 1
Danny Diaz C 1 1 1 2 0 0 3 0
Ryne Malone 1B 4 1 1 0 0 2 5 1
Dennis Guinn 1B 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 0
Brant Peacher DH 3 1 1 0 0 0 0 0
Josh Spivey PH-DH 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 0
Bryan Henry 3B 2 2 1 1 0 0 0 1
Charles Cleveland 3B 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 2
Tony Thomas 2B 3 1 1 1 0 1 2 0
Nick Francis PH-SS 2 1 0 0 0 0 1 0
Ruairi O'Connor RF-CF 5 2 1 2 0 0 2 0
Ryne Jernigan SS-2B 2 1 1 1 0 0 4 4
Brandon Manasa 2B 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0
Barret Browning P 0 1
Hunter Jones P 0 0
Ryan Strauss P 0 0
========================
FSU 37 15 13 12 7 7 27 10
Opp 32 0 6 0 4 8 24 7
E - Opp-4
2B - Opp-1, FSU-Danny Wardell (1), Gibbs Chapman (3), Ryne Malone (3), Brant Peacher (2), Bryan Henry (3)
HR - FSU-Danny Diaz (1), Ruairi O'Connor (1)
HBP - Opp-1, FSU-Ryne Jernigan (1)
SH - FSU-Bryan Henry (1)
SF - FSU-Ryne Jernigan (1)
SB - Opp-1, FSU-Shane Robinson 3 (7), Bryan Henry (1)
CS - Opp-1
NAME IP H R ER BB SO
============================== ==== == == == == ==
Barret Browning W (1-0) 5.0 3 0 0 4 4
Hunter Jones 3.0 3 0 0 0 3
Ryan Strauss 1.0 0 0 0 0 1
===================
FSU 9.0 6 0 0 4 8
Opp L 8.0 13 15 9 7 7
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia Military | ||||||||||||
| Florida State |
TALLAHASSEE, FL - Another game, another test and another passing grade for the fifteenth-ranked FSU baseball team. The Seminoles continued to score runs, get great pitching and play solid defense as they won their seventh straight game to start the season with a 7-3 victory over Auburn (3-1) Friday night. Hunter Jones picked up his first win since beating Florida April 21, 2004 and sophomores Ryne Malone and Shane Robinson both homered for the first time this season in the victory. It was FSU's (7-0) sixth straight win over Auburn and the first in the regular season since 1984.
"I think the last time we faced Auburn in the regular season Bo Jackson was playing for them," said FSU head coach Mike Martin. "They are obviously an outstanding program. This was just a great game. There is no two ways about it."
"This was a lot of fun," said Malone. "We came out here tonight and got a win versus a very good Auburn team. It is a real accomplishment for our ball club."
The Seminole pitching staff limited an Auburn offense that was averaging almost 12 runs per game to just three runs while recording 10 strikeouts. FSU's staff held Baseball America pre-season third team All-American Clete Thomas without a hit in five at bats and limited the top three Tiger batters to just one hit in 14 at bats.
"That is just one of those things you never expect getting Clete Thomas out five times," said Martin. "I didn't even expect that. That guy is an outstanding talent and it is just one of those days when our guys happened to make some quality pitches. That guy is big time."
Jones, making just his second appearance and first start since surgery in 2004, went five innings, allowed two runs, struck out seven and issued just one walk. The leftie came one strike out away from tying a career high and picked up the sixth win of his career.
"It was a game where Hunter Jones showed what he is all about," said Martin. "When you look at the numbers you realize what a quality start he had."
"This felt really good," said Jones. "We had great defense behind me and great offense today. I couldn't have done what I did without these guys putting it all together. They are the total package."
After picking up two wins in his first two appearances of the season, Kevin Lynch bounced back strong from his last outing where he gave up two runs in one inning of work. The senior came in with the bases loaded and the Seminoles up 5-2 and gave up just one run and went on to pitch 2.2 innings without allowing a hit.
"I put things behind me," said Lynch. "I have been out here 97 times now and I've been hit around probably 87 times. You just have to come out, bounce back and throw your ball and let your defense play. Our defense played really well today."
"You have to credit Kevin Lynch for coming in and pitching 2 2/3 innings and settling things down and giving us a chance to get a couple more runs," said Martin. "He didn't let it get out of hand and that is a real credit to Kevin."
Offensively, the top of the FSU line-up continued to produce Friday. The Seminole's 1-5 hitters came into the Auburn series hitting .406 and against the Tigers they hit .500 going 8-for-16. Malone and Robinson, first and fourth in the line-up, both had multi-RBI games driving in four runs. Freshman Tony Thomas, Jr. and sophomore Bryan Henry both recorded RBIs as well.
The game could not have gotten off to a better start for FSU as outfielder Robinson sent the first offering of the game from Arnold Hughey (1-1) off the top of the wall in left field. It was the first lead-off homer for a Seminole since Brian Zech led off the Jacksonville game April 7, 2004 and it was the second home run of Robinson's career.
"When I hit it I was thinking 'just get to second base as fast as I can' because I didn't want to look at it too much," said Robinson. "I didn't really know I hit it out until I got half way to second. I guess the outfielder tried to leap the wall but he had his head down so I knew it got out."
"More than anything, what Shane is doing is understanding his role," said Martin. "After he hit the ball out of the ballpark, the next time up he went up to bunt. They didn't give him the chance but he didn't let that home run go to his head. He went up there doing what he does best and that is trying to put the ball in play. It was an outstanding day for Shane."
Auburn got right back into the game in the top of the second when Karl Amonite launched a Jones offering over the right field fence. Two more Tiger singles put runners on the corners with just one away. After an attempted double steal produced the second out of the inning at home plate, Auburn cashed in with a two-out, RBI single to take a 2-1 lead. Jones ended the second by striking out his second batter of the inning watching strike three.
"I felt like I pitched OK but it was a little disappointing in the second," said Jones. "I just missed a couple of spots but my team picked me up. After that inning I felt a little better."
The Seminoles evened the game up in the bottom of the second thanks to a couple of Auburn miscues and a Tony Thomas, Jr. sacrifice fly. The Tigers then went down in order in the third as Jones struck out the side raising his total to five K's.
In the fourth, Aaron Cheesman led the bottom of the inning off with a double off the fence in right field, his 30th career double. A passed ball moved the catcher to third and the senior then came home on a double steal after Brant Peacher was hit by a pitch. An errant throw on the play at the plate allowed Peacher to move all the way to third. He scored with the fourth run of the game on Henry's sac bunt.
Jernigan, making his second straight start at short, singled with one out in the fifth for FSU and ended up on second after an error in right fielding the ball. Robinson then singled and advanced to second on the throw home that wasn't in time to get Jernigan putting FSU in front 5-2.
Matt DiBlasi came in to relieve Jones in the sixth and gave up his first hit of the season, a double, and his first two walks of the year to load the bases with one away. That brought Lynch into the game. The senior got a fielder's choice for the second out of the inning but the runner on third came home to cut the lead to 5-3. A steal and a walk loaded the bases once again for the Tigers but the Ft. Pierce, FL native ended the inning on a fly ball.
The Seminoles padded their lead in the eighth as Gibbs Chapman started things off with a single to left. Cheesman sacrificed him to second and Malone then went yard. The Gainesville, FL native just cleared the right field fence with the 13th homer of his career.
"I just got a good pitch," said Malone. "They just brought the leftie into the game and on the first pitch I just saw it and hit it. I got a good look at it."
I am very happy that Ryne got the big home run," said Martin. "He is a guy that we obviously want to deliver us some pop and he did that today."
The Seminoles will go after their eighth straight win to start the season Saturday, February 12 at 2:00 p.m. The Garnet and Gold is expected to throw 2004 freshman All-American Brian Schultz (0-0) who is making his first start of the season. Game Tracker will be available for the contest along with a live radio broadcast available on WFLA locally and on the Internet at seminoles.com.
NAME POSITION AB R H RBI BB SO PO A
======================= ======== == == == === == == == ==
Shane Robinson CF 4 1 2 2 0 1 3 0
Gibbs Chapman LF 4 1 2 0 0 0 0 0
Aaron Cheesman C 3 1 1 0 0 1 9 4
Ryne Malone 1B 4 1 2 2 0 1 8 1
Brant Peacher DH 1 2 1 0 0 0 0 0
Josh Spivey PH 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0
Danny Wardell PH 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Jack Rye PH 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Bryan Henry 3B 2 0 1 1 0 0 1 2
Tony Thomas 2B 3 0 0 1 0 1 3 4
Ruairi O'Connor RF 3 0 1 0 0 1 0 0
Ryne Jernigan SS 3 1 1 0 0 0 1 4
Hunter Jones P 0 0
Matt DiBlasi P 0 0
Kevin Lynch P 1 1
Stephen Ochs P 1 0
========================
FSU 29 7 11 6 0 6 27 16
Opp 33 3 7 3 6 10 24 9
E - Opp-3, FSU-Ryne Jernigan (1)
2B - Opp-1, FSU-Aaron Cheesman (3)
HR - Opp-1, FSU-Shane Robinson (1), Ryne Malone (1)
HBP - FSU-Brant Peacher (2), Bryan Henry (2)
SH - FSU-Aaron Cheesman (1), Bryan Henry (2)
SF - FSU-Tony Thomas (1)
SB - Opp-2, FSU-Aaron Cheesman (1), Brant Peacher (1)
CS - Opp-1, FSU-Gibbs Chapman (1), Ryne Malone (1), Bryan Henry (1)
NAME IP H R ER BB SO
============================== ==== == == == == ==
Hunter Jones W (1-0) 5.0 5 2 2 1 7
Matt DiBlasi 0.1 1 1 1 2 1
Kevin Lynch 2.2 0 0 0 2 2
Stephen Ochs 1.0 1 0 0 1 0
===================
FSU 9.0 7 3 3 6 10
Opp L 8.0 11 7 4 0 6
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn | ||||||||||||
| Florida State |
TALLAHASSEE, FL - For the first time all season the 15th-ranked FSU baseball showed its youth but once again it also showed its determination as even five errors couldn't derail the Seminoles from winning their eighth straight game. Florida State fell behind Auburn 5-1 after four and was trailing by the same score going into the bottom of the sixth but the Garnet and Gold staged a furious comeback scoring in each of the final four innings to pull out the 6-5 victory. The win improved FSU to 8-0 while Auburn (3-2) dropped its second straight game. Tyler Chambliss (2-0), who pitched just 2/3 of an inning, picked up the win and freshman Jack Rye drove in the winning run on a swinging bunt in the bottom of the ninth.
"I am elated," said head coach Mike Martin. "I am really, really happy. I am pleased with the way these young men showed poise and discipline. I am pleased that we didn't panic. We played poorly. We made five errors but we came back and got big hits."
"We have a lot of competitors on this team," said senior captain Aaron Cheesman who started the ninth inning rally that won the game. "Nobody quits on this team. I think everybody realized that today. Over the first seven games of the year, we have already played in some close games so we know how to handle ourselves in these situations. That helped us today."
Cheesman started the FSU rally by leading off the ninth inning with a single to right field. He advanced to second on a wild pitch. At that point Martin had clean-up hitter Ryne Malone lay down a sac bunt, something he said he hasn't had his clean-up hitter do since the mid-80's. With Cheesman on third, Rye came up and dropped a swinging bunt about 10 feet away from home allowing Cheesman to score the winning run.
"Anything hit I was going towards the plate," said Cheesman. "I wasn't really looking for Jack to have a swinging bunt but in that situation it was perfect placement. I just ran home."
"That was a dream come true," said Rye. "I have never really experienced something like that before, with all the people cheering. It was great."
Rye had never hit higher than seventh in the order before he was penciled into the five-hole for Saturday's game. The rookie from Woodbridge, CA responded with a 2-for-4 day including his first career double and the game-winning RBI.
"Jack is a guy we were very impressed with in summer camp," said Martin. "When he came in this fall he gave us a big lift and was a guy I thought would hit in the middle of our line-up. We hit him fifth today because we wanted another left-handed hitter and Jack just seemed to be the logical guy to hit there. I hope this is an awakening for him because he is a very good hitter and a very good baseball player. I was happy to see him have that success today."
"I have no idea why they hit me fifth but it triggered in my mind that the coaches trust me," said Rye. "I am just glad I justified that trust today."
Another freshman who played a huge role in the FSU win was Ryne Jernigan. The Milton, FL native struggled with two errors and had left five runners on base in his three plate appearances coming into the eighth. With two runners aboard and two outs, Jernigan came through with an RBI single evening the game at 5-5 and setting the stage for the Seminole win.
"I stranded five runners and made a couple of errors, I just had to come through there," said Jernigan. "It was a great feeling to be able to do something to help this team win."
"I am very proud of Ryne," said Martin. "I didn't recruit him to Florida State to pinch hit for him in that situation. That is a young man that we know is going to be a very important part of this. I wanted him to know that he had the opportunity to perform. I was very happy he got the base hit. He certainly came through for his team in the eighth inning to tie it up."
Five Seminole pitchers appeared in the game for FSU with two, Matt DiBlasi and Kevin Lynch, each throwing just one pitch in the ninth. Brian Schultz started the game and went four innings giving up five runs, three of which were earned. Barret Browning then came in and pitched four innings of no-run ball while allowing just three hits allowing FSU to stage its comeback. Browning had started in each of the first two series of the season but was moved into a relief role with the return of Schultz and Friday's winner Hunter Jones.
"I just wanted to come in and hold them to five runs," said Browning. "My goal was to keep them at five runs any way I could. We are a scrappy ball club and I knew we would come back and get some runs. If I could hold them where they were, I knew we could get back into this game. There was no doubt in my mind. I was ready for this opportunity and very excited about it.
"It is a great feeling to be a part of this win and to be a part of this team. Any time I get a chance to play I will be ready. I am just glad I had an opportunity today. I will be ready tomorrow or the next day. Starting is great but I just came here to pitch and whenever I get the chance, I will be ready to go."
The Tigers looked to break on top of FSU in the second when Karl Amonite led the inning off with a double into the gap in left just passed a diving Robinson. Ben Sprague followed up with a smash off Schultz's leg that caromed into center field allowing Amonite to come home. Another Auburn single put runners on the corners and a sac bunt scored the Tigers' second run of the inning. The Seminoles third error of the game allowed another Auburn run to come home before Schultz closed out the inning.
Florida State attempted to answer in the bottom of the inning with back-to-back one out singles by Rye and Bryan Henry. Josh Spivey drew a two out walk to load the bases but Auburn starter Josh Sullivan got Ryne Jernigan to foul out to end the threat.
Robinson started the third when he got hit with a pitch. The sophomore then swiped his eighth base of the season before moving to third on a ground ball out. Robinson then came home on Cheesman's sac fly to cut the lead to 3-1.
In the fourth, the Tigers got back on the board thanks to a lead-off single, a balk and a two-out double. The extra base hit came from Bruce Edwards, the number nine batter in the Tiger line-up. Another single extended the Auburn lead to 5-1 before the Seminoles could get out of the top of the inning.
Florida State tried to mount a comeback in the bottom of the sixth versus new Auburn pitcher Cliff Mullins. Cheesman reached on an error and Malone followed with a single into right. Rye then cashed in with a double high off the fence in right to cut the lead to 5-2. A walk loaded the bases for FSU before Mullins recorded the first out of the inning with a K. The Seminoles got unlucky on the next play as Spivey ripped a shot up the middle that was headed into the outfield but it caught the pitcher and ricocheted right to the third baseman who got Spivey at first. The ground out did plate a run though to make the score 5-3.
Robinson started another FSU rally in the seventh when he singled and moved up to second on a wild pitch. Gibbs Chapman then brought him home on a hard hit ball up the middle.
With the score 5-4, FSU tried to even the game up in the eighth with a two-out rally. Thomas drew a walk and a Spivey single put runners on the corners. Jernigan then evened the game with his single through the left side. A walk to Robinson loaded the base as FSU threatened to break the game open but reliever Michael Nix got out of the inning as FSU stranded its seventh, eighth and ninth runners of the game.
After Browning pitched four near-perfect innings, he hit the first batter in the top of the ninth. That brought in Lynch who threw one pitch, which was singled to short putting two runners on with nobody out as the Tigers tried to wrestle the lead back. Martin then brought in DiBlasi who threw one pitch as well and recorded the first out of the inning, which came on a foul out to first. Chambliss was next up and he ended the inning by snaring a bouncer up the middle and turning it into a 1-6-3 double play setting the stage for the bottom of the ninth.
"Everything depends on what the leadoff hitter does and Barret threw one pitch he probably wishes he hadn't thrown," said Martin. "That put him in a tough situation. When the guy got on base, we had a guy down there in Lynch that knows how to pitch in those situations. When they got the single it brought a left-handed pitcher to the plate and we brought in DiBlasi who certainly did a good job. Then of course Tyler came in and made a great throw to second and we end up getting a double play. Jamey Shouppe does such a tremendous job of teaching our pitchers to get their feet set. That was a huge lift for our baseball club."
The Seminoles will go after their third straight series sweep to start the season Sunday, February 13 at 1:00 p.m. The Garnet and Gold is expected to throw Michael Hyde (1-0) who is making his third start of the season. Former Seminole radio broadcaster Lee Bowen will be honored before the game and fans are asked to arrive early for the presentation. Game Tracker will be available for the contest along with a live radio broadcast available on WFLA locally and on the Internet at seminoles.com.
NAME POSITION AB R H RBI BB SO PO A
======================= ======== == == == === == == == ==
Shane Robinson CF 3 2 1 0 1 0 2 0
Gibbs Chapman LF 5 0 1 1 0 0 4 0
Aaron Cheesman C 4 2 1 1 0 0 6 0
Ryne Malone 1B 4 1 1 0 0 2 8 2
Jack Rye RF 4 0 2 2 1 1 1 0
Bryan Henry 3B 3 0 1 0 1 2 0 0
Tony Thomas 2B 3 1 0 0 1 2 1 4
Josh Spivey DH 3 0 1 1 1 0 0 0
Ruairi O'Connor PR 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Ryne Jernigan SS 4 0 1 1 0 1 3 3
Brian Schultz P 0 0
Barret Browning P 2 0
Kevin Lynch P 0 0
Matt DiBlasi P 0 0
Tyler Chambliss P 0 1
========================
FSU 33 6 9 6 5 8 27 10
Opp 37 5 10 4 2 6 25 10
E - Opp-1, FSU-Shane Robinson (1), Gibbs Chapman (1), Aaron Cheesman (1), Bryan Henry (1), Ryne Jernigan (2)
2B - Opp-2, FSU-Jack Rye (1)
HBP - Opp-1, FSU-Shane Robinson (1)
SH - Opp-1, FSU-Ryne Malone (1)
SF - FSU-Aaron Cheesman (2)
SB - Opp-1, FSU-Shane Robinson (8)
NAME IP H R ER BB SO
============================== ==== == == == == ==
Brian Schultz 4.0 6 5 3 1 3
Barret Browning 4.0 3 0 0 1 3
Kevin Lynch 0.0 1 0 0 0 0
Matt DiBlasi 0.1 0 0 0 0 0
Tyler Chambliss W (2-0) 0.2 0 0 0 0 0
===================
FSU 9.0 10 5 3 2 6
Opp L 8.1 9 6 5 5 8
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn | ||||||||||||
| Florida State |
TALLAHASSEE, FL - Things started out great for the 15th-ranked Seminole baseball team Sunday afternoon in the series finale versus Auburn. Florida State starter Michael Hyde struck out five of the first six batters he faced. Outfielder Shane Robinson led off the first with a single and after three innings FSU was out hitting the Tigers. But a six-run seventh inning propelled Auburn to a 9-2 win as FSU took two of the three games in the weekend series.
The Auburn (4-2) win snapped the Seminoles' (8-1) eight-game win streak to start the season and also snapped a streak of seven straight wins over the Tigers. It also ended the 2005 squad's hopes of becoming just the second FSU team ever to win three consecutive three-game series to start the season.
"You have to give Auburn a lot of credit," said FSU head coach Mike Martin. "We make one mistake and unfortunately that mistake led to a big inning. That was certainly not the reason we lost. We lost because Auburn outplayed us and just did an outstanding job today. They got it done."
"We have a real strong line-up all the way through," said left fielder Gibbs Chapman. "That is what it is going to take for us to win. We need all nine hitters to come out here and do their job. We played a great ball club this weekend in Auburn and took two of three and that is great. There is still a lot of work for us to do and we know that."
Hyde (1-1) made his third start of the year, the only FSU pitcher to start all three series, and went 5 2/3 innings issuing just one walk and striking out a career-high five batters. He gave up three earned runs on six hits.
"There is always going to be some disappointment with the way you pitched when your team doesn't come out with the win," said Hyde. "Of course I wanted to win today. I wanted to do whatever it took to get the win but the ball just didn't fall our way today."
"Michael had a good outing today," said Martin. "He made a couple of bad pitches and unfortunately it was when he was ahead in the count. The ball that (Josh) Bell hit off the wall, Hyde was ahead 0-2 and was trying to throw the ball down. He just happened to leave it up. I thought he pitched very well. He showed good poise and was throwing all three pitches very well."
The Tigers led the first off with a hit into shallow left field but Hyde came back and struck out the next three batters he faced to end the first. Just like Auburn, FSU led off the first with a hit of their own as Robinson laced a grounder through the left side of the infield but the Seminoles couldn't work the lead off runner around due to a ground out and a double play.
"In the first inning we get a lead-off base hit and then the next pitch we hit it to the second baseman," said Martin. "We had our catalyst, the guy that makes us go wiped off the bases. It is something we have talked about. You have to be a little more patient to give him a chance to do something. It made them feel good about themselves because we got Shane (Robinson) off the bases so quickly."
Hyde started the second just like he ended the first, throwing strikes. The freshman struck out his fourth straight batter to set a new career high for K's in a game in just the second inning. He followed with his fifth straight strike out before the streak was snapped on a two-out double down the right field line. Philip Stringer then singled into left scoring the Auburn run but he was put out at second base trying to advance on the throw home.
"I worked real hard this past week on staying consistent with my curveball," said Hyde. "I lost that a little bit after the third inning and that is why the strikeouts didn't keep falling the way they were in the first and second innings. My curveball kept the hitters off balance early and that is why I was able to get strike outs. That was pretty much the key to it."
In the home half of the second, the Seminoles put runners on first and second with one away. Tony Thomas, Jr. followed with a single to left but Josh Spivey was thrown out at home trying to score on the play.
A lead off double and ground out put Auburn in position to extend its lead in the fourth with a runner on third and just one away. Another ground out plated the Tigers' second run of the game.
Hyde went 5 2/3 innings before being relieved by Matt DiBlasi with a runner standing on third base and two away in the sixth. The Seminole reliever couldn't bail Hyde out as a sharply hit single to right put Auburn up 3-0.
In the bottom of the sixth FSU tried to stage a two-out rally putting runners on first and second for pinch hitter Brant Peacher. A double steal moved both runners into scoring position before Auburn reliever Josh Blake loaded the bases on a walk when he lost Peacher on a 3-2 pitch. That brought new pitcher John Madden into the game for the Tigers. The right-hander's first pitch hit Bryan Henry scoring the first run of the game for FSU. Madden came back and got out of the jam on a grounder hit to first.
Auburn broke the game open in the seventh with a six-run inning. The big hit was delivered by Tyler Johnstone who laced a double down the right field line clearing the bases, which were loaded on an error, hit by pitch and a single off the fence in right field. After the double, another single put runners on the corners and Martin made the move to bring Ryan Strauss in to replace Kevin Lynch. That brought Bell to the plate and the second pitch that Strauss threw ended up over the left field fence putting Auburn in front 9-1. It was the first home run of the year for Bell.
"Both the eight and nine hitters delivered for Auburn and then you get the bases loaded and boom a double scores everyone," said Martin. "That kind of opened our eyes. Of course the ball Bell hit, I was glad the bus wasn't over there in left field when that left the park."
FSU managed to get a run back in the bottom of the ninth but was unable to get any closer.
The Seminoles return to action next Friday, February 18 versus St. Joseph's at 3:30 p.m. The three-game series will be the first meeting between the teams since they played two games in 2003. Florida State is 11-0 all time versus the Hawks. Game Tracker will be available for the contest along with a live radio broadcast available on WFLA locally and on the Internet at seminoles.com.
NAME POSITION AB R H RBI BB SO PO A
======================= ======== == == == === == == == ==
Shane Robinson CF 5 0 1 0 0 0 1 0
Gibbs Chapman LF 4 1 1 1 1 1 2 2
Aaron Cheesman C 4 0 1 0 0 0 5 1
Brandon Manasa PR 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Danny Diaz C 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 1
Ryne Malone 1B 3 0 1 0 1 1 10 2
Dennis Guinn 1B 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
Josh Spivey DH 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Brant Peacher PH-DH 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 0
Bryan Henry 3B 2 0 1 1 0 0 0 3
Danny Wardell PH 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Charles Cleveland 3B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Tony Thomas 2B 4 0 1 0 0 1 3 2
Jack Rye RF 2 0 1 0 1 0 1 0
Ruairi O'Connor RF 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0
Nick Francis SS 2 0 1 0 0 1 0 3
Ryne Jernigan SS 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0
Michael Hyde P 2 1
Matt DiBlasi P 0 0
Kevin Lynch P 0 0
Ryan Strauss P 0 0
Stephen Ochs P 0 0
Tyler Chambliss P 0 0
========================
FSU 34 2 9 2 4 5 27 15
Opp 37 9 13 9 2 7 27 16
E - Opp-1, FSU-Nick Francis (3)
2B - Opp-3
HR - Opp-1
HBP - Opp-1, FSU-Bryan Henry (3)
SH - Opp-1
SB - Opp-1, FSU-Gibbs Chapman (3), Ryne Malone (1)
NAME IP H R ER BB SO
============================== ==== == == == == ==
Michael Hyde L (1-1) 5.2 6 3 3 1 5
Matt DiBlasi 0.1 1 1 0 0 0
Kevin Lynch 0.1 3 4 4 0 0
Ryan Strauss 0.2 1 1 1 1 0
Stephen Ochs 1.0 2 0 0 0 0
Tyler Chambliss 1.0 0 0 0 0 2
===================
FSU 9.0 13 9 8 2 7
Opp W-Sv 9.0 9 2 1 4 5
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn | ||||||||||||
| Florida State |
TALLAHASSEE, FL - The 11th-ranked Florida State baseball team got a career day from sophomore outfielder Shane Robinson and cruised to a 12-1 win over St. Joseph's in the series opener Friday. Robinson went 3-for-4 with a career-high five RBIs and three hits in leading the FSU offense to its second-best outing of the season. Hunter Jones (2-0) pitched just four innings in a controlled start picking up the win. The Seminoles are now 9-1 on the season while the Hawks (0-4) dropped their fourth straight game.
"Things have been going well for me," said Robinson. "I have been selective with my pitches. I am picking out good pitches to hit and I think that is why I have been hitting the ball so well."
Robinson is now hitting .513 on the season and is leading the club with 12 RBIs from the lead-off spot. His five doubles are first on the team and his .718 slugging percentage is more than 100 points better than anyone else on the squad.
"I have been fortunate to have guys get on base in front of me in the latter innings," said Robinson. "That helps a lot. It is more about just being selective and waiting for good pitches. Five RBIs felt nice."
"When runners get on base in front on Shane, the pitcher doesn't have a big strike zone and he has been doing a great job of lying off curveballs and change-ups," said FSU head coach Mike Martin. "In doing that he got a fastball in the wrong spot and he is capable of hitting that off the wall like he did. He is a guy that is certainly off to a great start and we are very excited about that. We just have to continue to credit the guys around him that put him in a position to succeed."
Jones picked up the victory Friday, his second in as many starts. Florida State used six different pitchers and did not allow a run until the top of the ninth when an unearned run broke up the FSU shutout. Jones threw just 51 pitches in four innings while striking out three and not issuing a walk.
"Hunter is progressing," said senior catcher Aaron Cheesman. "He didn't have quite as good of stuff as he did versus Auburn last week but I think if we get him back throwing like he did last year, it will help us out tremendously. He is a great pitcher."
"We got what we wanted to get out of Hunter today," said Martin. "We want him to get prepared for Wednesday's start so this was a controlled start for him. To go out when you know you are throwing again in five days, I thought he did exactly what he needed to do. He did not pitch like he did against Auburn but he did what he needed to do out there today."
After Jones set down the Hawks 1-2-3 in the first, including a diving grab by Ruairi O'Connor for the final out, Gibbs Chapman got the Seminoles off to a good start. The left fielder sent the second pitch he saw over the fence in right center for his first homer of the year. The round-tripper staked FSU to a 1-0 lead.
Bryan Henry led off the bottom of the second with a double to the warning track in left. Ryne Jernigan sacrificed him to third and he came around to score on a passed ball. O'Connor got into scoring position with a walk and a stolen base before another walk, this one to Tony Thomas, Jr., put runners on first and second with two away. Robinson then cleared the bases with a double to left center putting FSU in front 4-0. Another walk, Ryan Hoagey's (0-2) third of the inning, put runners back on first and second as SJU was still in search of the third out. A double steal moved both runners up a base and then Cheesman followed with an infield single to put FSU up 5-0.
"I think what we forget is the outstanding at bat Tony Thomas had allowing Shane to come up with two runners on in front of him," said Martin. "Tony may not be hitting too much right now but he is doing what he can to get on base. Tony Thomas deserves a lot of the credit for Shane driving in runs."
Brant Peacher led off the third with a double and Jernigan was walked following the first out of the bottom half of the third. An error on a sharply hit ball by O'Connor allowed Jernigan to score from second. The Seminoles then went up 7-0 on a bloop single behind second base by Robinson.
A single, a walk and a balk in the fifth put runners on second and third with no outs versus new Hawks pitcher Al Braun. A walk loaded the bases and Robinson cashed in with a hard hit single up the middle scoring two more runs for a 9-0 FSU advantage. It was Robinson's third hit of the game. Another walk, the Hawks seventh of the game, loaded the bases once again with nobody out. Cheesman looked to have plated FSU's 10th run on a sac fly but the runner at third was ruled out for not tagging up and a foul out ended the frame.
"I am not satisfied with myself unless I get three hits a game," said Robinson. "That was my goal at the beginning of the season. If I don't get three hits I am disappointed. Even if I get two hits, that is a good day for most people but I try not to get satisfied with that. If you get satisfied with that, your average starts to drop. I try to pride myself on looking for a hit each time I step up."
Florida State got its 10th run in the bottom of the sixth courtesy of an O'Connor double off the wall in right. Charles Cleveland recorded FSU's fifth double of the game in the seventh scoring two more runs and boosting the FSU lead to 12-0.
St. Joseph's was able to get a run in its last at bat when a couple of Seminole miscues ruined the shutout bid.
The Seminoles continue their series with the Hawks Saturday, February 12 at 2:00 p.m. The Garnet and Gold is expected to throw Michael Hyde (1-1). Game Tracker will be available for the contest along with a live radio broadcast available on WFLA locally and on the Internet at seminoles.com.
NAME POSITION AB R H RBI BB SO PO A
======================= ======== == == == === == == == ==
Shane Robinson CF 4 1 3 5 0 0 0 0
Jack Rye RF 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Gibbs Chapman LF 2 1 1 1 2 1 1 0
Danny Wardell LF 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0
Aaron Cheesman C 4 0 2 1 0 0 3 3
Danny Diaz C 0 1 0 0 1 0 5 0
Ryne Malone 1B 4 0 0 0 0 1 7 0
Dennis Guinn 1B 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 0
Brant Peacher DH 3 1 1 0 0 0 0 0
Josh Spivey DH 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 0
Bryan Henry 3B 3 1 1 0 0 0 0 0
Charles Cleveland 3B 1 1 1 2 1 0 0 2
Ryne Jernigan SS 1 2 1 0 1 0 3 0
Brandon Manasa PH-SS 2 0 0 0 0 1 1 1
Ruairi O'Connor RF-CF 3 2 1 1 2 0 3 0
Tony Thomas 2B 3 1 0 0 2 1 2 4
Hunter Jones P 0 0
Glen Simon P 0 0
Trent Jarvis P 0 1
Kevin Lynch P 0 0
Matt DiBlasi P 0 0
Tyler Chambliss P 0 0
========================
FSU 34 12 11 10 11 5 27 11
Opp 30 1 4 0 7 9 24 7
E - Opp-1, FSU-Hunter Jones (1)
2B - FSU-Shane Robinson (5), Brant Peacher (3), Bryan Henry (4), Charles Cleveland (1), Ruairi O'Connor (1)
HR - FSU-Gibbs Chapman (1)
HBP - Opp-1
SH - FSU-Ryne Jernigan (1)
SB - FSU-Shane Robinson 2 (10), Gibbs Chapman (4), Ruairi O'Connor (1)
CS - Opp-2
NAME IP H R ER BB SO
============================== ==== == == == == ==
Hunter Jones W (2-0) 4.0 3 0 0 0 3
Glen Simon 1.0 0 0 0 2 1
Trent Jarvis 1.0 0 0 0 1 1
Kevin Lynch 1.0 1 0 0 1 2
Matt DiBlasi 1.0 0 0 0 2 1
Tyler Chambliss 1.0 0 1 0 1 1
===================
FSU 9.0 4 1 0 7 9
Opp L 8.0 11 12 10 11 5
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saint Joseph's | ||||||||||||
| Florida State |
TALLAHASSEE, FL - Sophomore pitcher Michael Hyde put together the most impressive outing of the season for FSU Saturday as the Seminoles (10-1) won their second straight game versus St. Joe's (0-5). Hyde (2-1) pitched seven innings and allowed just one run on three hits in FSU's 11-1 victory. The sophomore struck out a career high seven batters and issued just two walks. Shane Robinson extended his hit streak to 16 games dating back to 2004 while driving in his team-leading 13th and 14th RBIs on top of stealing three more bases. Gibbs Chapman had a multi-RBI day as well going 2-for-2 with three runs batted in.
"We played very well today," said FSU head coach Mike Martin. "I was very pleased with that zero in the last column (errors). Any time you can do that you expect to win. We had some good at bats and an inordinate number of walks but that is something you have to take advantage of. I am very pleased with the way we are playing right now.
"We know we are ahead of St. Joe's because they have not been outside this year. That was evident by some of the mistakes that were made today. When you can play like we are playing, even if it is against a team we are ahead of, you have to be pleased. We are playing solid baseball."
Hyde, a sophomore transfer from Tallahassee, was in control the whole game and recorded the longest outing by any Seminole pitcher in 2005. He lowered his ERA to 2.38 and is now holding batters to an average of just .187. It was the fewest runs the right-hander has allowed in any of his four starts.
"I felt good while I was out there and was hitting my spots most of the game," said Hyde. "Other than the home run I gave up, I was hitting my spots all game. That was what allowed me to have some success. I am getting more comfortable. I was definitely nervous in the beginning but every outing I am settling in more. Every time I go out there I am pitching more and more like the pitcher I know I can be."
"I was very pleased with the poise Michael has shown," said Martin. "The more he goes out there, the more comfortable he gets. He had a good outing today."
The Seminoles recorded 10 RBIs on the day marking the fourth time this year the club has recorded double-digit RBIs in a game. Chapman and Robinson accounted for half of that total Saturday and the top three hitters in the FSU line-up, including senior Aaron Cheesman, have accounted for 35 of FSU's 81 RBIs in 2005. But the top three hitters in the line-up couldn't be driving in that many runs without the bottom of the order getting on base.
"Shane is leading the team in RBIs so that is proof the bottom of the order is getting on base," said Chapman. "We are off to a good start and a lot of that credit has to go to the guys at the bottom and we are hitting them in. All around the line-up is doing a good job."
Florida State capitalized on 12 St. Joe's walks and five errors in the win. The Seminoles hit .323 as a team and recorded a season-high six doubles. This marks the fourth time this season FSU has recorded five or more doubles in a game.
"We got a lot of chances for RBIs today with them walking so many players," said Chapman. "They had a few errors as well and that keeps runners on base and helps our hitters out. I hope the hot hitting keeps going all year. The whole line-up is doing the job. I hope we can keep that up."
While St. Joe's struggled in the field, FSU was once again errorless. It was the fourth time this season FSU has played flawlessly in the field and in 10 of 11 games in 2005 the Seminoles have committed one error or less. The team is fielding .975 and has committed nine fewer errors in the first 11 games of 2005 than the 2004 team did over the same span. Considering three of FSU's starting infielders are newcomers, the defense has been a big key to the 10-1 start.
"The defense playing well puts our pitchers in a good frame of mind," said Martin. "They know if they make a good pitch, they can expect their defense to make a ground ball out. It allows our pitchers to get into a rhythm as well."
Robinson got FSU off to a fast start once again in the first. The sophomore swiped second, his 11th steal of the season, and advanced to third on an errant throw by the catcher. Chapman's sac fly then brought the center fielder home. Cheesman followed with a double down the left field line and Ryne Malone followed with a walk. Another free pass loaded the bases with still just one out in the inning. Bryan Henry sacrificed the runner home on a liner to right putting FSU in front 2-0.
St. Joe's pitcher Brian Anecharico (0-2) led the third off by issuing his seventh walk of the game this one to Malone. The sophomore then moved to second on a balk but was wiped off the bases with St. Joe's second pick off of the day. The pick off proved costly as Rye followed with FSU's first triple of the year. Anecharico's eighth walk of the game put runners on the corners and brought a new pitcher into the game for the Hawks. A passed ball moved Henry to second and Spivey then drove both runs home with a double into the gap in right. Tony Thomas, Jr. followed with another double to right center extending FSU's lead to 5-0. Chapman then hit another double into the gap, this one to the left side, plating the sixth FSU run of the day.
The Hawks got on the board and broke up the shutout in the fourth on a solo home run hit over the left field fence.
After three innings without a run, the Seminoles got back on the board thanks to three St. Joe's errors that allowed Ryne Jernigan to get aboard and score and Thomas go to third on what should have been a fielder's choice. Robinson then came up and extended his 2005 hitting streak to 11 games with an RBI double to right.
The Seminoles moved in front 10-1 in the eighth thanks to an RBI ground out with the bases loaded by Brandon Manasa. The final run came on Robinson's 14th RBI of the year, a sac fly to the warning track in left field.
The Seminoles conclude their series with the Hawks Sunday, February 20 at 12:30 p.m. The Garnet and Gold is expected to throw Barret Browning (1-0, 0.00). Game Tracker will be available for the contest along with a live radio broadcast available on WFLA locally and on the Internet at seminoles.com.
NAME POSITION AB R H RBI BB SO PO A
======================= ======== == == == === == == == ==
Shane Robinson CF 3 2 1 2 2 0 1 0
Gibbs Chapman LF 2 0 2 3 1 0 2 0
Danny Wardell LF 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0
Aaron Cheesman C 3 1 1 0 1 0 5 2
Danny Diaz C 2 0 0 0 0 1 1 0
Ryne Malone 1B 2 0 0 0 2 0 9 1
Dennis Guinn 1B 1 0 0 0 0 0 3 0
Jack Rye RF 3 1 2 0 1 0 1 0
Ruairi O'Connor RF 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Bryan Henry 3B 2 1 0 1 1 0 0 1
Charles Cleveland 3B 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 1
Josh Spivey DH 4 1 1 2 0 1 0 0
Brant Peacher DH 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0
Ryne Jernigan SS 4 1 1 0 1 2 1 5
Tony Thomas 2B 2 2 1 1 2 0 2 4
Brandon Manasa 2B 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 2
Michael Hyde P 1 1
Ryan Strauss P 0 0
========================
FSU 31 11 10 10 12 4 27 17
Opp 30 1 4 1 4 8 24 10
E - Opp-5
2B - FSU-Shane Robinson (6), Gibbs Chapman (4), Aaron Cheesman (4), Charles Cleveland (2), Josh Spivey (1), Tony Thomas (2)
3B - FSU-Jack Rye (1)
HR - Opp-1
HBP - Opp-1, FSU-Danny Wardell (1), Brant Peacher (3)
SF - FSU-Shane Robinson (1), Gibbs Chapman (1), Bryan Henry (1)
SB - Opp-1, FSU-Shane Robinson 3 (13), Gibbs Chapman (5), Tony Thomas (3)
CS - FSU-Tony Thomas (1)
NAME IP H R ER BB SO
============================== ==== == == == == ==
Michael Hyde W (2-1) 7.0 3 1 1 2 7
Ryan Strauss 2.0 1 0 0 2 1
===================
FSU 9.0 4 1 1 4 8
Opp L 8.0 10 11 7 12 4
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saint Joseph's | ||||||||||||
| Florida State |
TALLAHASSEE, FL - Although it was closer than the first two meetings, the FSU baseball team once again scored double digit runs in completing a sweep of St. Joe's (0-6) by virtue of a 10-7 victory Sunday. The win moved No. 11 FSU to 11-1 on the season and the Seminoles have now won each of their first four series, including three sweeps. Junior Barret Browning (2-0) picked up the win and Danny Wardell and Gibbs Chapman each recorded three RBIs. Shane Robinson tripled for FSU upping his hit streak to 12 games in 2005 and 17 games dating back to last season.
"Really we just took this club too lightly when we got a 9-2 lead," said FSU head coach Mike Martin. "We acted like the game was over. When you have played a team twice previously and won by a wide margin, players have a tendency to take the opponent lightly. That is my mistake. The veterans on this club know anything can happen. This game teaches you that you better not take any team for granted."
Offensively, FSU scored 10-plus runs for the third straight game over St. Joe's and for fifth time this season. Wardell, making his first start since 2004, came through going 3-for-5 with a home run and three RBIs. He tied career highs for at bats and hits in a game.
"It was exciting to get a chance to play and make my first start of the year," said Wardell. "I just wanted to prove myself. I am a senior and I want to get a chance to play in my final year. I am a different player than last year. It is hard to explain but my mentality is different this year and I feel completely different."
Five different Seminole batters drove in runs Sunday and seven of the nine RBIs came from the top five batters in the line-up. Robinson and Malone each scored two runs on the day and freshman short stop Ryne Jernigan hit his first career home run.
"Right now things are going really good with the top of our line-up," said Malone. "When guys are getting on in front of you, it just makes things so much easier. Especially with the way Shane is getting on base."
Junior transfer Browning recorded his longest outing of the year but also gave up his first runs of the season. In six innings, Browning allowed eight hits and issued four walks while striking out two batters.
"Barret made the pitches when he needed to make them but he did not pitch well," said Martin. "I want to see him win a job. One inning he looks like a world-beater and the next inning he struggles. I just want to see some consistency from him. This guy can pitch. Once he gets into a good rhythm he looks beautiful. But some of the pitches he threw today, he will not get away with against Miami, Florida, Georgia Tech, North Carolina and on and on. He will learn. He will get better but man he made some quality pitches today. If he can pitch like that consistently, he is liable to start pitching on Friday night."
Robinson once again got FSU off to a good start in the first when he drew a walk, stole second and then moved to third on a passed ball. Chapman then plated the run with a sacrifice fly to center field as the Seminoles went up 1-0 without even recording their first hit of the game. Malone came up and recorded FSU's first hit and then moved to second on a passed ball and to third on a wild pitch. Wardell then drove the run in with a single to left field.
Florida State added to its lead in the second. Jernigan started things off with a single into right field. Thomas was then hit by a pitch putting runners on first and second. Robinson followed with a chopper to third that the St. Joe defense wasn't able to handle allowing a run to score. Gibbs Chapman then singled home two more runs with a shot into right field putting FSU in front 5-0.
The Hawks fought their way back into the game in the top of the fourth when they touched Browning for two runs, the first runs the junior has given up all season. The big hit was a two-out double off the wall in center field cutting the Seminole lead to 5-2.
Browning got into his first real jam in the fifth as St. Joe's loaded the bases but Malone ended the threat by snaring a line drive and stepping on first to end the inning with a double play.
Malone led off the bottom of the fifth with his third hit of the day and his second double. Wardell followed with a towering home run to left field putting FSU in front 7-2. It was the 12th career homer for Wardell. Bryan Henry doubled off new pitcher Mark Imbo, who relieved starter Robert Unkel (0-2), and Ruairi O'Connor drove him in with FSU's fourth straight extra base hit of the inning. The lead grew to 9-2 on Robinson's sac fly.
"I was sitting on a fastball and he gave it to me," said Wardell of the pitch he hit out of the park. "It was on the inner third and was the pitch I was looking for. I had the chance to hit it."
Glen Simon relieved Browning in the top of the seventh and walked the first two batters he faced and then went 2-0 on the next batter. That brought Kevin Lynch into the game and he lost the hitter to load the bases with nobody out. An error, a wild pitch and a single allowed St. Joe's to score four more runs and cut the Florida State lead to 9-6.
Jernigan helped FSU get one of the runs back in the bottom of the seventh when he sent a 2-1 pitch over the fence in left and into the visitor's bullpen. It was the 10th run of the game for FSU and marked the third straight game FSU had scored double digit runs.
The Hawks did not give up in the ninth cutting the score to 10-7 and brining the tying run to the plate but FSU closer Tyler Chambliss recorded the final out and picked up his third save of the season.
The Seminoles hit the road for the first time this season when they travel to Deland, FL for a two game set with Stetson. Tuesday's game is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. and Wednesday the teams will play at 3:00 p.m. Game Tracker will be available for both contests along with a live radio broadcast available on WFLA locally and on the Internet at seminoles.com.
NAME POSITION AB R H RBI BB SO PO A
======================= ======== == == == === == == == ==
Shane Robinson CF 3 2 1 1 1 0 2 1
Gibbs Chapman LF 2 0 1 3 2 0 1 0
Aaron Cheesman C 4 0 0 0 0 1 4 1
Danny Diaz C 1 0 0 0 0 0 4 0
Ryne Malone 1B 4 2 3 0 0 0 8 2
Dennis Guinn 1B 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Danny Wardell DH 5 1 3 3 0 1 0 0
Bryan Henry 3B 3 1 1 0 0 1 1 0
Charles Cleveland 3B 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0
Jack Rye RF 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 0
Ruairi O'Connor RF 3 1 1 1 0 0 1 0
Ryne Jernigan SS 4 2 2 1 0 0 2 3
Tony Thomas 2B 2 1 0 0 1 0 3 2
Barret Browning P 1 2
Glen Simon P 0 0
Kevin Lynch P 0 0
Stephen Ochs P 0 0
Tyler Chambliss P 0 0
========================
FSU 34 10 12 9 5 4 27 11
Opp 35 7 11 6 8 8 24 10
E - Opp-2, FSU-Barret Browning (1), Charles Cleveland (1)
2B - Opp-1, FSU-Ryne Malone 2 (5), Bryan Henry (5), Ruairi O'Connor (2)
3B - FSU-Shane Robinson (1)
HR - FSU-Danny Wardell (1), Ryne Jernigan (1)
HBP - FSU-Charles Cleveland (1), Tony Thomas (2)
SF - FSU-Shane Robinson (2), Gibbs Chapman (2)
SB - Opp-1, FSU-Shane Robinson (14), Gibbs Chapman (6), Danny Wardell (1), Ryne Jernigan (2)
CS - Opp-2
NAME IP H R ER BB SO
============================== ==== == == == == ==
Barret Browning W (2-0) 6.0 8 2 2 4 2
Glen Simon 0.0 0 3 2 3 0
Kevin Lynch 2.0 1 1 0 0 4
Stephen Ochs 0.2 2 1 1 1 1
Tyler Chambliss Sv(3) 0.1 0 0 0 0 1
===================
FSU 9.0 11 7 5 8 8
Opp L 8.0 12 10 7 5 4
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saint Joseph's | ||||||||||||
| Florida State |
DELAND, FL - With Atlanta Brave Chipper Jones throwing out the first pitch and 2,776 fans on hand, the third largest crowd in Melching Field history, the 11th-ranked Florida State baseball team won a 5-4 thriller with Tony Thomas, Jr. scoring the game-winning run in the top of the ninth inning versus Stetson (4-3). In a game that had its share of big performances and back-and-forth action, it was errors that ultimately decided the game. Florida State (12-1) committed four but it was the Hatters lone error in the ninth, an errant throw to third, that gave FSU the game. The Seminoles got a strong start from Brian Schultz and Tyler Chambliss (3-0) picked up the win after 1 2/3 innings of work.
Shane Robinson and Aaron Cheesman each recorded multi-hit games but it was a two-RBI hit from Bryan Henry and sacrifice flies from Ryne Malone and Jack Rye that scored FSU's first four runs. The victory was the 1,350th win of head coach Mike Martin's career.
Schultz equaled a career-high with six strikeouts in six innings pitched. He allowed four hits and three runs but only two were earned. Three Seminole relievers combined to allow just one run and two hits. Chambliss came into the game in the eighth with two runners on in a 4-4 game and ended the threat before closing out the win in the ninth. Stetson reliever Corey Kluber (1-2) took the loss.
Robinson, as he has done all season, got FSU off to a fast start as he laced the fourth pitch of the game over the head of the center fielder for a stand-up double. It extended his hitting streak to 18 games and upped his team-leading double total to seven. Robinson was wiped off the bases though as he was picked off for just the second time this season and Stetson starter Cameron Abel recovered to retire the next two batters and end the top of the first.
Rye led off the third with FSU's second lead off double of the game. Ryne Jernigan moved him over to third on a sac bunt. Abel got a strikeout for the second out of the inning and then worked his way out of trouble on a fly ball to left to retire the side.
Florida State's defense, which had been stellar all season, broke down in the bottom of the third inning. An error put the lead-off runner on base and he was then sacrificed to second. Schultz got the next out on a pop up to short and looked to be out of the inning on a shallow fly ball to left but Gibbs Chapman seemed to lose the ball and slip on the grass. By the time he recovered the ball hit his glove and fell to the ground for the second error of the inning allowing Stetson to go in front 1-0.
In the top of the fourth, Abel, who was cruising, suddenly got into trouble. The right-hander walked Chapman on four straight pitches and Cheesman followed with a shot over the center fielder's head for FSU's third double of the game. With runners on second and third and nobody out, Abel went 3-2 on Malone before getting the clean-up hitter chasing strike three. Abel got Danny Wardell swinging as well bringing up Henry who was charged with the first error in the third that opened the door for the Stetson run. The sophomore made up for the miscue with a single to shallow left that plated two runs and put FSU in front 2-1. Rye came up and recorded his second double of the game and FSU's fourth double of the night putting runners on second and third and ending Abel's evening. The Hatter's picked Rye off second to stop FSU from building on the 2-1 lead.
The Seminoles started to get into the Hatter bullpen in the sixth as Stetson brought in its fourth pitcher of the game as FSU put runners on the corners with nobody out. Malone swiped second and then Wardell walked to load the bases with Stetson still looking for the first out of the inning. Henry came up and it looked like he broke the game open with a chopper down the third base line but the ball was ruled foul over the protests of the FSU dugout. Hatter reliever Jon Sistrunk got Henry for the first out and then a long sac fly by Rye plated FSU's third run of the game but the Seminoles couldn't extend the lead any further.
Stetson got right back into the game with just one swing of the bat in the bottom of the sixth. After Schultz walked the lead-off batter, John Destefano laced a ball over the wall just to the left of dead center. The two-run homer tied the game at 3-3 but Schultz came back and retired the next three batters including his sixth strikeout of the night, which tied a career high.
Robinson did his best to break the tie when he doubled for the second time on the night and the eighth time this season. It was the fifth double for FSU marking the fifth time in 12 games that the Seminoles have recorded five or more doubles in a game. Chapman then got hit by a pitch to put runners on first and second before a Cheesman walk loaded the bases for the second straight inning. Malone then broke the tie with a sacrifice fly to right field scoring Robinson from third but the Garnet and Gold stranded two more runners as the game moved into the bottom of the seventh with FSU leading 4-3.
Kevin Lynch relieved Schultz to open the home half of the seventh and promptly struck out the first batter he faced but Shane Jordan followed with a double down the right field line to put the Hatters back in business. Another error cost the Seminoles the lead as a sac bunt turned into a single and the throw from Lynch sailed past Malone and allowed the runner from second to come around and tie the game. After an intentional walk to Braedyn Pruitt, Lynch got out of the jam by getting Chris Johnson, who entered the game hitting .640, to ground into an inning ending double play.
Matt DiBlasi came into the game in the eighth and put the lead off hitter aboard when he hit Destefano. The ensuing batter sacrificed the runner to second and an errant throw looked like it would put runners on first and second but Jon Still was called for interference moving the runner back to first. Stetson got the runner into scoring position though when DiBlasi hit his second batter of the inning bringing Chambliss into the game. The Seminole closer's first pitch was a ball but he followed with three straight called strikes for the second out of the inning. His next pitch was fouled back to Cheesman who ended the threat by snaring the pop up in front of the FSU dugout.
Tony Thomas, Jr. started the ninth off with his first hit of the game, a sharply hit single to left. That brought the Hatters' 2004 ace into the game in Ryan Heacox. The senior went 10-2 last season and was an all-region selection. The right-hander came in to try and slow down Robinson who was 3-for-4 with two doubles. The sophomore laid down a perfect sac bunt down the first base line moving Thomas into scoring position. After intentionally walking Chapman to get to senior Cheesman, the team captain got under the second pitch he saw and skied a fly ball to shallow center for the second out. Stetson brought in its sixth pitcher of the night to face Malone. After playing flawless defense all night, the Hatters first error of the night was costly. A wild pitch sent Thomas headed for third. Stetson catcher Still tried to make an off-balanced throw to cut him down but the ball ended up sailing into the fence in front of the FSU bullpen as Thomas trotted home with what turned out to be the game-winning run.
Chambliss returned in the bottom of the ninth to face the top of the Hatter order. The Seminole right-hander walked the lead-off hitter on four straight pitches. Brandon Paritz moved the runner over on a sac bunt bringing up number three hitter Pruitt he got caught looking at strike three. Johnson came up with one last chance after a 0-for-3 night but his hard hit liner to left was snared by Rye to end the game.
The Seminoles will wrap-up the two-game set with the Hatters Wednesday at 3:00 p.m. Left-hander Hunter Jones (2-0) is scheduled to start for the Seminoles. Game Tracker will be available for the game along with a live radio broadcast available on WFLA locally and on the Internet at seminoles.com.
NAME POSITION AB R H RBI BB SO PO A
======================= ======== == == == === == == == ==
Shane Robinson CF 4 1 3 0 0 0 1 0
Gibbs Chapman LF 2 1 0 0 2 1 2 0
Aaron Cheesman C 4 2 2 0 1 0 10 1
Ryne Malone 1B 3 0 1 1 1 1 7 0
Danny Wardell DH 4 0 0 0 1 4 0 0
Bryan Henry 3B 4 0 1 2 0 1 0 1
Jack Rye RF 3 0 2 1 0 0 4 0
Ryne Jernigan SS 3 0 0 0 0 0 1 2
Tony Thomas 2B 3 1 1 0 1 2 2 1
Brian Schultz P 0 1
Kevin Lynch P 0 0
Matt DiBlasi P 0 1
Tyler Chambliss P 0 0
========================
FSU 30 5 10 4 6 9 27 7
Opp 33 4 6 2 3 9 27 8
E - Opp-1, FSU-Kevin Lynch (1), Gibbs Chapman (2), Bryan Henry (2), Ryne Jernigan (3)
2B - Opp-1, FSU-Shane Robinson 2 (8), Aaron Cheesman (5), Jack Rye 2 (3)
HR - Opp-1
HBP - Opp-2, FSU-Gibbs Chapman (2)
SH - Opp-2, FSU-Shane Robinson (2), Ryne Jernigan (2)
SF - FSU-Ryne Malone (2), Jack Rye (2)
SB - FSU-Ryne Malone (2)
NAME IP H R ER BB SO
============================== ==== == == == == ==
Brian Schultz 6.0 4 3 2 1 6
Kevin Lynch 1.0 2 1 0 1 1
Matt DiBlasi 0.1 0 0 0 0 0
Tyler Chambliss W (3-0) 1.2 0 0 0 1 2
===================
FSU 9.0 6 4 2 3 9
Opp L 9.0 10 5 4 6 9
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida State | ||||||||||||
| Stetson |
DELAND, FL - Young teams aren't supposed to win close games but that hasn't been the case for the youngest FSU baseball team in head coach Mike Martin's 26 years. For the fifth time in five tries the 11th-ranked Seminoles pulled out a win in a one-run game defeating Stetson (4-4) 7-6 to sweep the two-game set. Ryne Malone recorded the game-winning hit in the eighth inning and Tyler Chambliss pitched two near-flawless innings to pick up his fourth save of the year. Ryan Strauss (1-0) pitched one inning to pick up the first win of his career as Florida State improved to 13-1 on the season.
"We were very fortunate to win down here," said Martin. "Stetson has a first class facility and first class fans. We enjoyed the competition very much and I do not intend to wait 27 years to come back here.
"This game could have gone either way. There is no question about it. Getting out of the bases loaded jam in the seventh was big. This was a good two games for our club. I thought it gave us a chance to show these young guys what it is like to play good teams on the road."
The Seminole bullpen answered the bell once again Wednesday night. After giving up six runs in the first four innings, the FSU pen held Stetson without a run over the next five innings. In the last three innings Strauss and Chambliss faced the minimum limiting the Hatters to just one base runner who drew a walk and he was cut down by Aaron Cheesman trying to steal second to end the game.
"I think there were a lot of keys to the game," said Martin. "I thought the pitching of both Tyler Chambliss and Ryan Strauss were big factors. They did a good job. They got it done for us. Stetson had put runs on the board in each of the first four innings but we were fortunate enough to shut them down after that."
Eight different Seminoles recorded hits as FSU set a new season high with 14 hits in the game. Shane Robinson extended his hit streak to 19 games with a 2-for-5 day including his team leading 16th RBI. Ryne Jernigan had a career day going 3-or-5 with three RBIs and Brant Peacher set a new career high of his own with three doubles in the game.
Starter Hunter Jones, who came into Wednesday's game with just one walk all season, hurt himself in the bottom of the first due to free passes. He walked the lead-off batter but got out of that jam on a double play ball but his second walk of the inning came back to haunt him. A two-out double by Chris Johnson put Stetson in front for the second day in a row.
FSU answered back immediately in the second thanks to some help from the Hatters. A lead-off error and walk put runners on first and second with no outs. Peacher then cashed in with a double to right center, the Seminoles' 43rd of the year. Jernigan followed with a shot up the middle scoring both runners and putting the Seminoles in front 3-1.
Jones' third walk of the game put the Hatters back in business in the bottom of the second. The one-out free pass was followed by two singles, sandwiched around the second out of the inning, cutting the FSU lead to 3-2.
Malone recorded FSU's second double of the game in the top of the third. It was the 10th time this season FSU recorded at least two doubles in a game. A wild pitch moved the clean-up hitter to third and Jack Rye brought him home with a two-out RBI single into right field.
More Seminole mistakes got Stetson back in the game in the bottom of the third. After a pop fly for the first out, a single and Jones' fourth walk put runners on first and second. Another pop up seemed to put FSU close to escaping the inning but catcher's interference was called and the bases were loaded with one away. Stetson, who came into the game 0-for-17 with the bases loaded, almost broke the game wide open with a deep shot to the warning track in right but Rye was there to limit the damage to a sac fly and a 4-3 score. The deep shot ended the day for Jones though as Stephen Ochs came in and got the final out of the third.
Jernigan led the fourth off with a smash to center field that Shane Jordan got his glove on but was unable to hold onto the ball. The two base error was followed by a Tony Thomas, Jr. sacrifice. Shane Robinson then extended his hitting streak to 14 games this season with an RBI single into right field for a 5-3 lead.
The Hatters went right back to work in the fourth. A lead off single and a bunt base hit put runners on first and second. A sac moved the runners up and Ochs then loaded the bases when he lost Braedyn Pruitt on a 3-2 pitch. That brought up Stetson's top hitter Johnson who went 0-for-4 last night. The Seminoles were not as successful Thursday against the redshirt freshman as he tied the game with his third hit of the day, a single into left field. A bad hop single to first put Stetson back in front 6-5 with runners on the corners and still just one out in the inning. Ochs stormed back and ended the three-run, fourth with back-to-back K's.
Jernigan evened the game again in the top of the fifth. The scoring started with Peacher's two-out double into the gap in right. Jernigan then reached base for the third time in the game with an RBI single, his third of the game. In his last five games, all starts, Jernigan was hitting .400, slugging .600 and had knocked in four runs after his hit in the fifth.
Robinson got his second straight hit to lead off the sixth. After an out, a hit and run put Robinson on third and Cheesman on first but new Stetson pitcher Robbie Elsemiller retired the next two batters to end the FSU threat.
Browning struggled in the bottom of the sixth after recording the first out on a stellar defensive play by Malone. He walked the next two hitters on nine pitches but struck out Nick Palmisano for the second out of the inning. Another Browning walk loaded the bases bringing Kevin Lynch into the game. The senior needed just four pitches to get out of the jam as he recorded a ground ball out to end the sixth inning.
Peacher recorded his third double of the game in the seventh, tying a season high for FSU this year. After a fly ball out, Thomas was hit by a pitch putting two on with two down for Robinson. The reigning ACC Player of the Week didn't get the chance to break the tie though as Peacher was picked off at second. It was the third pick-off at second base by the Hatters in the two games.
Strauss came in to relieve Lynch in the bottom of the eighth and needed just five pitches to record the first 1-2-3 inning of the day.
In the eighth, Gibbs Chapman recorded his first hit of the game, a one out single to right and he then stole second. Cheesman then sent a shot deep into the hole at short that the shortstop was unable to field putting runners on the corners. Malone then broke the tie with an infield single to the right side, which ended up winning the game for FSU.
Chambliss entered the game in the bottom of the eighth. The Seminoles' leader in wins and saves, Chambliss needed just eight pitches to set the Hatters down in order for the second straight inning. The sophomore recorded two strikeouts upping his season total to 15.
Florida State looked to extend the lead in the top of the ninth. After Peacher smashed a ball up the middle that Robbie Elsemiller (0-2) snared to make the out, Jernigan singled. Thomas followed with a single on a hit and run but Jernigan was thrown out at third for the second out of the inning. Robinson was intentionally walked as Stetson brought Cy McCuen into the game to try and keep it a one-run lead for FSU. The senior walked Chapman loading the bases but the Seminoles couldn't cash in stranding their 12th, 13th and 14th base runners of the game.
Chambliss had the 7-8-9 hitters to face in the bottom of the ninth and got the first out on a fly to shallow left. The sophomore then got the second out on his third strikeout of the game but he walked Brian Bocock on four straight pitches bringing the winning run to the plate in Jordan but before he had a chance to swing Cheesman gunned Bocock out trying to swipe second to end the game.
The Seminoles return home this weekend for the final home series until they open ACC play March 18. The Appalachian State Mountaineers (1-7) come to town for a three-game series, which starts Friday, February 25 at 3:30 p.m. Game Tracker will be available for the game along with a live radio broadcast available on WFLA locally and on the Internet at seminoles.com.
NAME POSITION AB R H RBI BB SO PO A
======================= ======== == == == === == == == ==
Shane Robinson CF 5 0 2 1 1 0 1 0
Gibbs Chapman LF 5 1 1 0 1 2 1 0
Aaron Cheesman C 4 0 1 0 2 0 6 2
Ryne Malone 1B 5 1 2 1 0 1 8 1
Bryan Henry 3B 5 1 0 0 0 1 0 2
Jack Rye RF 2 1 1 1 1 1 2 0
Ruairi O'Connor RF 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 0
Brant Peacher DH 5 2 3 1 0 0 0 0
Ryne Jernigan SS 5 1 3 3 0 0 3 4
Tony Thomas 2B 2 0 1 0 0 1 5 3
Hunter Jones P 0 0
Stephen Ochs P 0 1
Barret Browning P 1 1
Kevin Lynch P 0 0
Ryan Strauss P 0 0
Tyler Chambliss P 0 0
========================
FSU 40 7 14 7 5 7 27 14
Opp 32 6 10 6 9 7 27 11
E - Opp-3, FSU-Aaron Cheesman (2)
2B - Opp-1, FSU-Ryne Malone (6), Brant Peacher 3 (6)
HBP - FSU-Tony Thomas (3)
SH - Opp-2, FSU-Tony Thomas 2 (2)
SF - Opp-1
SB - FSU-Shane Robinson (15), Gibbs Chapman (7)
CS - Opp-1
NAME IP H R ER BB SO
============================== ==== == == == == ==
Hunter Jones 2.2 4 3 2 4 1
Stephen Ochs 1.1 4 3 3 1 2
Barret Browning 1.2 2 0 0 3 1
Kevin Lynch 0.1 0 0 0 0 0
Ryan Strauss W (1-0) 1.0 0 0 0 0 0
Tyler Chambliss Sv(4) 2.0 0 0 0 1 3
===================
FSU 9.0 10 6 5 9 7
Opp L 9.0 14 7 5 5 7
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida State | ||||||||||||
| Stetson |
TALLAHASSEE, FL - The 11th-ranked Florida State baseball team continued its roll through the start of the 2005 season Friday night with an 11-2 victory over Appalachian State (1-8). The offense was powered by Gibbs Chapman who hit two home runs, one a grand slam, and Tony Thomas, Jr., who drove in four runs. Michael Hyde (3-1) won his second straight start pitching a season-best seven innings. Shane Robinson went 2-for-5 and extended his hitting streak to 20 games. The win improved Florida State to 14-1 on the year.
The 14 hits equaled a season high set the last time FSU played in a one-run road victory at Stetson and it was the sixth time in 15 games that FSU has scored double digit runs in a game. Four different players had multi-hit games and four Seminoles drove in at least one run. Florida State upped its double total to 48 on the season with three more Friday marking the 10th game this season with three or more doubles and the sixth straight game.
"I think the thing that is keeping us going right now is the camaraderie and team work," said FSU head coach Mike Martin.
"This is a great team," said Chapman. "We are young but this group of guys come out here everyday and get after it."
Hyde had another strong outing for the Seminoles as he struck out six batters before issuing his first walk of the game. The Lincoln High School product has now fanned five or more batters in each of his last three starts. He is tied for the team lead in wins and his 2.12 ERA is now third-best amongst the Seminoles' starters.
"The coaches are stressing with me to keep my walks down and I had two today but I was able to get ahead of the hitters," said Hyde. "When you get ahead you can do a lot of good things and make them hit the pitches you want instead of having to lay it in there."
"Everything starts with the guy on the mound," said Martin. "Michael Hyde did a very good job today. He wasn't as consistent with the breaking ball as we'd like to see but the change-up and fastball were pretty darn good."
Despite the 11-2 final, the game was 0-0 heading into the bottom of the second and ASU was just a pitch away from getting out of the bases loaded jam before Chapman laced a shot over the fence in right. Without Chapman's big hit, the game would have been 2-1 Mountaineers heading into the bottom of the seventh as Appalachian State and starter Scott Clark (1-3) kept it close early on.
"Appalachian State has a good club and they surprised me with their talent," said Martin. "It was one of those games where Gibbs' home run took the wind out of their sails. They are a team that is going to be very good as the season progresses. The keys to the ballgame were Michael Hyde and Gibbs Chapman's homer."
The Seminoles loaded the bases in the second with two away thanks to hits by Jernigan and Robinson and a great at bat by Thomas where he worked out his 13th walk of the year, second on the team. That brought up Chapman who had never hit a grand slam in his FSU career.
"That inning where we scored four, we went out, base hit, out and then Tony worked himself into a good count and ended up walking," said Martin. "Shane gets a base hit and it set the stage for Gibbs to help his team out. That is something that is very important to the success of any team."
"Tony had a great at bat where he battled quite a few pitches and drew a walk," said Chapman. "Shane then got a hit. I give them all the credit because they got on base for me."
Chapman then took Clark's 3-2 pitch out of Howser. The slam was the first by a Seminole since Ryne Malone's versus Maryland March 20, 2004.
"I got a fastball low and in I believe," said Chapman. "I had battled a few pitches and just got a hold of it."
The Mountaineers tried to chip away at the 4-0 lead putting runners on the corners with nobody out in the fifth. Hyde got the first out on his fifth strikeout of the game. Malone then made a great sliding catch right in front of the FSU dugout on a foul ball for the second out of the inning. Hyde got out of the jam on a fly ball to left.
Appalachian State did break through against Hyde in the sixth on a two-out single up the middle scoring a runner from second. The RBI hit followed Hyde's first walk of the game.
ASU mistakes led to another FSU run in the bottom of the sixth. Ruairi O'Connor reached on a throwing error by the third baseman, which allowed him to move to second. A passed ball got the freshman to third and Thomas drove him home on a single up the middle. Robinson recorded his second hit of the day to put runners on first and second and a fly out moved runners on to the corners. Robinson swiped his 16th base of the year to move into scoring position but FSU was unable to cash in and build on the 5-1 lead.
A three base error and a sac fly cut the FSU lead to 5-2 in the top of the seventh but FSU answered back in the bottom half thanks to a Brant Peacher infield single, a walk and a sac, which put runners on second and third with just one out. Another walk loaded the bases and Thomas cleared them with a double down the left field line extending the FSU lead to 8-2.
"I was just looking for a pitch to drive up the middle," said Thomas. "He came in with the pitch. It started tailing in and I just turned on it. I saw it barely get between third and the third baseman. It just rolled all the way down to the corner and everyone was able to come home on it."
The four RBIs were a career best for Thomas who has recorded hits in each of FSU's last three games. After recording a hit in three of the first seven games of his career, Thomas has hit in 6 of the last 8 games and seen his batting average rise from .167 to .238.
"The offense is slowly coming but it is coming," said Thomas. "It comes in bunches but I need to manage to keep it consistent. I can't just have that one hit ever few days. I have to keep it on a consistent basis.
"Pitch selection has been a key for me. I have been eliminating bad pitches early in the count and not swinging at pitches I shouldn't. I get the count in my favor and get to see better pitches to hit."
Not to be out done by Thomas' four RBIs, Chapman went yard again to start the eighth marking the first time in his career he has homered twice in a game and it also was his fifth RBI, which was also a career high.
"Hitting two home runs is something you don't expect and it comes when it comes," said Chapman. "It was fun and hopefully I'll have another day like this down the road."
Cheesman followed with a double and a walk to Danny Diaz put FSU back in business with no outs. An error and a sac fly extended the Seminole lead to 11-2.
The Seminoles continue their series with the Mountaineers Saturday, February 26 at 2:00 p.m. The Garnet and Gold is expected to throw Barret Browning (2-0). Game Tracker will be available for the contest along with a live radio broadcast available on WFLA locally and on the Internet at seminoles.com.
NAME POSITION AB R H RBI BB SO PO A
======================= ======== == == == === == == == ==
Shane Robinson CF 5 1 2 0 0 0 3 0
Gibbs Chapman LF 4 2 3 5 1 0 1 0
Aaron Cheesman C 5 0 3 0 0 0 6 1
Dennis Guinn PR-1B 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0
Ryne Malone 1B 3 0 0 0 1 2 6 1
Danny Diaz PH-C 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 0
Brant Peacher DH 4 0 1 0 0 1 0 0
Brandon Manasa PR-DH-2B 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0
Bryan Henry 3B 3 1 1 0 1 0 1 0
Charles Cleveland 3B 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0
Ryne Jernigan SS 3 1 1 0 0 0 3 2
Danny Wardell PH 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0
Nick Francis SS 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
Ruairi O'Connor RF 4 2 0 0 1 1 3 0
Tony Thomas 2B 3 1 2 4 1 0 2 2
Trent Jarvis P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Michael Hyde P 0 0
Matt DiBlasi P 0 0
========================
FSU 36 11 14 11 6 4 27 7
Opp 35 2 6 2 2 8 24 12
E - Opp-2, FSU-Michael Hyde (2), Bryan Henry (3), Ryne Jernigan (4)
2B - Opp-1, FSU-Aaron Cheesman (6), Tony Thomas (3)
HR - FSU-Gibbs Chapman 2 (3)
SH - FSU-Ryne Jernigan (3)
SF - Opp-1, FSU-Danny Wardell (1)
SB - FSU-Shane Robinson (16), Gibbs Chapman (8), Aaron Cheesman (2), Ryne Jernigan (3), Tony Thomas (4)
CS - Opp-1
NAME IP H R ER BB SO
============================== ==== == == == == ==
Michael Hyde W (3-1) 7.0 6 2 1 2 6
Matt DiBlasi 1.0 0 0 0 0 0
Trent Jarvis 1.0 0 0 0 0 2
===================
FSU 9.0 6 2 1 2 8
Opp L 8.0 14 11 10 6 4
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Appalachian State | ||||||||||||
| Florida State |
TALLAHASSEE, FL - Saturday's match-up between the 11th-ranked Florida State baseball team and Appalachian State was a classic pitchers duel despite the fact the pitchers came in with completely opposite stats. FSU's Barret Browning entered the game 2-0 with a 0.89 ERA and Mountaineer starter Jonathan Reeder came in 0-2 with a 5.59 ERA. That didn't stop Reeder from throwing a no-hitter through six innings while Browning did not allow a hit through the first five frames. Despite the lack of offense early on, the Mountaineers (1-9) broke out to a 1-0 lead but they couldn't contain Shane Robinson down the stretch as FSU (15-1) finally broke through in a 4-1 victory. It was FSU's 12th straight win over Appalachian State.
"Our guys played with a lot of poise today," said FSU head coach Mike Martin. "Baseball is a game you'll never be able to figure out and that is why it is such a great game. You look at numbers and Reeder is not going to be able to shut us down. He has given up a lot of runs. We have scored a lot of runs but he goes out there and pitches a tremendous game. Our guys have been through a lot of close ballgames and I think that helped us today."
"It is a lot more fun when you are involved in a pitcher's duel like that," said Browning. "When you are throwing against another strong pitcher and the game is close, it is just that much more fun to be out there. I live to play this game and play it for big stakes and when we have a tie ballgame against a good fighting club like they (ASU) are, it is just up to me to go out there and do my job. I was just happy I was able to do that for seven innings."
The game was dominated by the two starters who got outs in as diametrically opposite ways as their stats entering the game. Reeder (0-3), a sophomore from Matthews, NC, induced FSU into 13 fly ball outs and just five outs on the ground. Browning, on the other hand, only got two outs through the air as he recorded 15 of his 21 outs on ground balls.
"We didn't really do what we are trying to do," said Martin. "We want to make people make plays. When you pop the ball up...well, I can catch a fly ball. When you hit the ball right and left you have a chance to beat one out or the ball can take a bad hop. Anything can happen when you hit the ball hard on the ground."
Once again Robinson was the difference for FSU offensively. The All-American candidate led off the sixth with his ninth double of the year breaking up the no-hitter with FSU trailing 1-0. He came around to tie the game on senior captain Aaron Cheesman's sac fly. Robinson then drove home the winning run with another double in the eighth scoring Tony Thomas, Jr. His 10 doubles lead the team along with his .492 batting average. His hit streak is now up to 21 games, the eighth longest in school history.
"I don't think about the streak," said Robinson. "My goal is three hits a game and that is what I come out here each day chasing. That is the only thing I am looking at. I only got two today so I am not totally satisfied. I just come out with that same mentality every day. I don't let the streak get into my head and I never think about it during the game. Getting on base, getting the offense going and frustrating pitchers on the base paths is my role. I am just trying to be the best player I can be and utilize all my tools."
After giving up a couple of first inning walks, Reeder set down 11 straight FSU batters before walking Ryne Jernigan with one-out in the bottom of the fifth. Reeder's third walk of the game didn't lead to any runs though as the game entered the sixth still tied at 0-0.
Browning retired 13 straight batters going into the sixth but the junior lost his no hitter on a lead-off double down the right field line. A sac moved the runner to third as ASU looked to break on top. Browning got the second out on his third K of the game but a two-out single dumped in front of Robinson in center field put the Mountaineers in front 1-0 with runners on the corners but Browning limited the damage to just the one run.
"The ultimate goal is to keep the other team to as few runs as possible," said Browning. "You notice you are throwing a no hitter. You definitely notice those types of things and it is something you use to push you a little bit more. It is always fun to chase something as great as a no hitter but it is all about winning the ballgame and we were able to do that today."
As he does almost 64% of the time, Robinson led off an inning with a hit, this time it was in the sixth. The sophomore ripped a lead-off double down the left field line. After his fourth K of the game, Reeder hurt his own cause with a wild pitch to move Robinson to third. Cheesman then tied the ball game with a sac fly driving in his 11th RBI of the season.
Thomas led off the bottom of the eighth with a bunt single and moved into scoring position on a passed ball with nobody out in the inning. Robinson then drove him home with his second double of the game, which was also his first game-winning hit of the season. The sophomore moved to third on a Reeder balk and Chapman drove him in home with his 20th RBI of the year. Ryne Malone extended the lead to 4-1 off new pitcher Josh Fish as each of the Seminoles top four hitters recorded an RBI on the day.
"I am sitting up there looking fastball until I get two strikes on me," said Robinson. "I am sitting on a fastball. He tried to beat me in with a fastball and I turned on it pretty well and got a good bat on it."
With FSU tied, Martin went to the bullpen in the eight with Kevin Lynch (3-0) who ended up picking up the win pitching one inning. Tyler Chambliss came in to close the game and picked up his fifth save on just 11 pitches in a perfect ninth featuring two strikeouts.
The Seminoles conclude their series with the Mountaineers Sunday, February 27 at 1:00 p.m. It will be the last home game for FSU until they open ACC play March 18 at Dick Howser versus Virginia Tech. The Garnet and Gold is expected to throw Brian Schultz (0-0). Game Tracker will be available for the contest along with a live radio broadcast available on WFLA locally and on the Internet at seminoles.com.
NAME POSITION AB R H RBI BB SO PO A
======================= ======== == == == === == == == ==
Shane Robinson CF 4 2 2 1 0 1 2 0
Gibbs Chapman LF 3 1 1 1 1 1 0 0
Aaron Cheesman C 2 0 0 1 1 1 5 2
Ryne Malone 1B 4 0 1 1 0 0 14 2
Bryan Henry 3B 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 5
Josh Spivey DH 3 0 0 0 0 1 0 0
Ryne Jernigan SS 2 0 0 0 1 0 3 7
Ruairi O'Connor RF 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Tony Thomas 2B 3 1 1 0 0 1 3 1
Barret Browning P 0 3
Kevin Lynch P 0 0
Tyler Chambliss P 0 0
========================
FSU 28 4 5 4 3 5 27 20
Opp 31 1 5 1 1 6 24 4
E - FSU-Bryan Henry (4)
2B - Opp-1, FSU-Shane Robinson 2 (10)
SH - Opp-1
SF - FSU-Aaron Cheesman (3)
SB - FSU-Gibbs Chapman (9), Ryne Malone (3)
CS - Opp-1
NAME IP H R ER BB SO
============================== ==== == == == == ==
Barret Browning 7.0 4 1 1 1 3
Kevin Lynch W (3-0) 1.0 1 0 0 0 1
Tyler Chambliss Sv(5) 1.0 0 0 0 0 2
===================
FSU 9.0 5 1 1 1 6
Opp L 8.0 5 4 4 3 5
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Appalachian State | ||||||||||||
| Florida State |
HILO, HI - Less than 24 hours after touching down in Hawaii, the eighth-ranked FSU baseball team was back on the field looking to tie a season-high with their eighth straight win. Behind a solid outing by sophomore Michael Hyde (4-1) and a season-high four sac flies, the Seminoles improved to 16-1 on the year with a 7-2 win over Hawaii-Hilo (1-23) Friday night at Wong Stadium.
Hyde became FSU's first four-game winner as he went 5 2/3 while allowing eight hits, no walks, two runs, neither of which was earned. His eight hits were a season high but he did not issue a walk for the first time in his career. For the first time all season the Seminole staff did not issue a walk and they have now walked just three batters in the last three games.
The Seminole bullpen was phenomenal once again facing just one batter over the minimum and that was due to an error. Kevin Lynch pitched 2 1/3 innings and did not allow a hit, run or walk while striking out four. Stephen Ochs needed just 15 pitches as he pitched a perfect ninth.
Ryne Malone and Bryan Henry each had multi-RBI games while Aaron Cheesman, Jack Rye and Josh Spivey each had an RBI. Cheesman and Spivey had a sac fly and Malone had two. Rye had a season-high three hits and his two RBIs equaled a career best as well. Shane Robinson went 2-for-4 with three runs scored as he extended his hitting streak to 22 games.
It didn't take Robinson long to extend that streak as he led off the game with his 11th double of the season. He then came around to score on a Gibbs Chapman groundout and a Cheesman sacrifice fly.
The Seminoles went back to work in the second when a Ryne Jernigan one-out double down the left field line moved Rye to third. Rye led off the inning with a hit, the second straight time FSU led off with a base hit, and he came home in similar fashion but this time it was Spivey with the sac fly.
In the third inning the Seminoles put up their third run. Robinson led the frame off with his second straight hit. He moved to second on a ground out and to third on a hard hit Malone ball to short that was mishandled. Rye then drove the run home on a bloop single to right.
The Vulcans recorded a hit for the third straight inning and put runners on the corners with just one away partly due to an FSU error. A single through the left side plated an unearned run to cut the FSU lead to 3-1. A ground out moved the runners to second and third but Malone snagged a liner to end the threat.
Hilo took advantage of another error to cut the lead again in the fourth. A lead-off error was followed by back-to-back outs, one sac to move the runner to second. Then a single past a diving Jernigan and Henry scored the runner from second cutting the score to 3-2.
After being shut out in the fourth, Florida State put up another run in the fifth inning to move out to a 4-2 lead. Chapman drew a one-out walk and then moved to third on a perfectly executed hit and run with Cheesman providing the base knock. Malone then scored the run on a sac fly, FSU's third of the game.
The Seminoles third error put another lead off runner on for UHH. The miscue was the first of the season for starting second baseman Tony Thomas, Jr. ending a string of 79 consecutive chances without an error. The mistake didn't lead to any runs though as Hyde got the next two batters swinging and then picked the runner off at first.
A single and a sacrifice bunt put a Vulcan base runner at second with one out in the bottom of the sixth. Then a hard hit ball to third took a wicked hop putting runners on the corners as UHH continued to hang around. A botched squeeze play cut down the lead runner at home for the second out. Hyde hit the next batter and that brought Lynch into the game. It was his team-leading 12th appearance and the 102nd relief appearance of his career, the third-most in school history. The hurler struck out the only batter he faced in the sixth and ended the Vulcan threat.
Robinson got on base for the third time in the game when he led off the seventh with a walk. Chapman's sac bunt was booted at third putting two runners on with nobody out. Both runners moved into scoring position on a wild pitch. Vulcan starter Vinny Biggs (0-6) then walked Cheesman to load the bases. Malone recorded a season-high fourth sacrifice fly to put FSU in front 5-2. That brought up Rye who was 3-for-3 on the day and he sent a deep fly ball to left that was slicing away from the left fielder who made a great catch to take a double from the freshman. Another wild pitch put both runners back in scoring position and Henry made UHH pay with a two-run single into right field.
The Seminoles return to action Saturday, March 5 in Kona, Hawaii for game two versus Hawaii Hilo. The game is slated for a 6:00 p.m. start in Tallahassee and junior sensation Barret Browning (2-0, 0.96 ERA) is scheduled to start. Game Tracker will be available for all the contests in Hawaii along with Steve Melewski's live radio broadcasts available on WFLA locally and on the Internet at seminoles.com.
NAME POSITION AB R H RBI BB SO PO A
======================= ======== == == == === == == == ==
Shane Robinson CF 4 3 2 0 1 0 2 0
Gibbs Chapman LF 3 2 0 0 1 0 2 0
Aaron Cheesman C 3 1 1 1 1 0 9 3
Ryne Malone 1B 3 0 0 2 0 1 11 1
Jack Rye RF 4 1 3 1 0 0 0 0
Bryan Henry 3B 4 0 1 2 0 1 0 4
Ryne Jernigan SS 4 0 1 0 0 0 1 1
Josh Spivey DH 3 0 1 1 0 0 0 0
Tony Thomas 2B 4 0 0 0 0 2 2 1
Michael Hyde P 0 3
Kevin Lynch P 0 1
Stephen Ochs P 0 0
========================
FSU 32 7 9 7 3 4 27 14
Opp 34 2 9 2 0 8 27 8
E - Opp-3, FSU-Michael Hyde (3), Ryne Jernigan (5), Tony Thomas 2 (2)
2B - Opp-1, FSU-Shane Robinson (11), Ryne Jernigan (1)
HBP - Opp-1
SH - Opp-2, FSU-Gibbs Chapman (1)
SF - FSU-Aaron Cheesman (4), Ryne Malone 2 (4), Josh Spivey (1)
SB - Opp-1
CS - Opp-2, FSU-Josh Spivey (1)
NAME IP H R ER BB SO
============================== ==== == == == == ==
Michael Hyde W (4-1) 5.2 8 2 0 0 3
Kevin Lynch 2.1 0 0 0 0 4
Stephen Ochs 1.0 1 0 0 0 1
===================
FSU 9.0 9 2 0 0 8
Opp L 9.0 9 7 4 3 4
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida State | ||||||||||||
| Hawaii-Hilo |
KONA, HI - Before Saturday's game between the eighth-ranked Seminole baseball team and the University of Hawaii-Hilo, Seminole head coach Mike Martin called the Vulcans the best 1-23 team in America. Saturday Hilo did nothing to change that perception. The Vulcans (1-24) pounded out 18 hits, the most allowed by the Seminoles in 2005, but stranded 19 runners as FSU squeezed out a 6-4 win in 12 innings. Tyler Chambliss (4-0) picked up the win after pitching 3 1/3 and UHH's Danny Vitro (0-1) took the loss in relief. Jack Rye had the game-winning pinch hit in the top of the 12th as FSU extended its season-best winning streak to nine games.
"We really battled hard," said senior captain Aaron Cheesman who threw out two base runners and caught all 12 innings. "All year up to know we have just seemed to find a way to win close games. We rolled through some tough calls today offensively and defensively and found a way to win finally."
Seminole starter Barret Browning pitched 5 1/3 and struck out a FSU season-high 11 batters but did not factor into the decision. Five Seminole pitchers combined to allow just two earned runs and struck out 18 batters. They issued just five walks but it was Chambliss who continues to be a force. He allowed three hits, an unearned run and one walk while striking out five in the victory.
"I felt pretty good out there today," said Chambliss. "By the time I got out there the hill was a little tough to adjust to but after that I just tried to pitch my game. It has been awhile since I threw that many innings. Probably versus Georgia Tech at the ACC Championships last year and that was right before I took over the closer role."
"Tyler was throwing strikes and keeping their hitters off balance," said Cheesman. "It wasn't good for us that he had to pitch as much as he did today but it was very important. You have to play one game at a time and win each game you play. He did a heck of a job of that today."
Only one Seminole had a multi-hit game and that was All-American candidate Shane Robinson who extended his hitting streak to 23 games. He was also one of five players to record an RBI on the day versus Vulcan starter Matson. Rye's game-winning hit was the third time this season the freshman has won a game for FSU at the plate.
"Coach called on me and I am just trying to contribute as much as I can," said Rye. "I faced that pitcher last night and he was just going at me all outside so that was my approach, to go up there and take it the other way. That is what I did. Pinch hitting is tough but I was ready to go."
Browning got off to a rocky start in the first for FSU. After retiring the first two batters, a walk and two hit batters loaded the bases but the junior got A.J. Satele looking at strike three to end the threat.
The Vulcans started the second with a hit but they couldn't move the runner past second as Browning struck out the side giving him a season-high five K's through just two innings. Matson was matching Browning though by striking out the side in the second and then his fourth straight batter in the third before giving FSU its first base runner of the day on a walk to Tony Thomas, Jr. Robinson followed with another free pass and it looked as if Gibbs Chapman would add to his team-leading RBI total but his liner to right was snared for the second out. Cheesman came up next and broke up the no-hitter while putting FSU in front 1-0 on a single to center field.
Hilo looked to tie the game in the bottom of the inning. After Browning's sixth K, back-to-back singles put runners on the corners for UHH. Browning's seventh strikeout almost ended the rally but a two-out base hit to right evened the game at 1-1. The final out came on the eighth K for the junior leftie.
Brant Peacher led off the fourth with a single followed by back-to-back deep fly balls to right. Ruairi O'Connor then singled putting runners on the corners as the Seminoles tried to start a two-out rally. A walk to Thomas loaded the bases bringing up Robinson who was still looking for his first hit of the day. The sophomore was close to poking a grounder up the middle but the Hilo second baseman was just able to pick up the shot and flip it to second for the force out ending the threat.
Vulcan Michael Higa sent a slow dribbler down the third base line to lead off the fifth and then an attempted sac bunt turned into a base hit as Hilo was in business with runners on first and second. A sac bunt by the Vulcan clean-up hitter moved both runners into scoring position. An intentional walk loaded the bases before Browning's 10th K brought him one batter closer to preserving the tie and his 11th strikeout ended the inning as he became the first Seminole hurler since Trent Peterson in 2003 to strikeout 10 or more batters in a game.
Matson needed just seven pitches to get through the top of the sixth as he set the Seminoles down in order. Hilo then opened their half of the frame with a base hit marking the second straight inning they recorded a lead-off knock. A ground out moved the runner to second before Kevin Lynch came in to relieve Browning. He retired the first batter he faced on a pop up and then issued an intentional walk to bring up David Chu who was 2-for-2 on the day with a walk. The left fielder made FSU pay with an RBI single to right that bounced past O'Connor clearing the bases and leaving Chu at third. Lynch got FSU out of the inning but not before falling behind 3-1.
O'Connor led off the seventh with a hit by pitch and a Thomas walk put the Seminoles back in business. Robinson followed with a smash to short that bounced over the Hilo players shoulder to extend his hitting streak and cutting the lead to 3-2. A Chapman ground out scored Thomas from third to tie the contest.
The Vulcans led off another inning with hit in the seventh off new FSU pitcher Mark Sauls; it was the first appearance for Sauls since February 4. UHH tried to sac the runner over but the Seminole infield charged on the pitch. The bunt was popped up and over a charging Bryan Henry for another UHH hit. Just like the fifth, the next batter laid down the sac bunt to move both runners into scoring position. Sauls got the next batter to pop up to second and ended the inning with a K as UHH stranded its 11th and 12th batters of the game.
The bottom of the eighth got off to an eerily familiar start with a single, for the fourth straight inning, and another bunt single that was intended to be a sacrifice. That brought Chu to the plate looking to bunt despite going 3-for-3 with a walk and an RBI single. After Sauls got off to an 0-2 start, Chu was forced to swing away and it proved costly for UHH as he flew out to new right fielder Brandon Manasa and he turned it into a double play catching the runner at first off the bag. An intentional walk followed and then a single was driven to right where Manasa was patrolling. The junior, who made a great play on the double play, gunned out the runner from second trying to score to end the inning.
"The contribution Brandon made today was great," said FSU head coach Mike Martin. "He is always been there when we needed him to pitch, catch, and play the infield or the outfield. In one inning he amassed more outfield assists than anyone on our team and that double play was huge."
"I don't get to play much so when I do I just try to go out there and do anything I can to help the team," said Manasa. "It is exciting to be able to go out there and make a play. I haven't really played in the outfield since high school except for on a couple of occasions as a freshman so I feel fortunate that I was able to help us win today."
The Garnet & Gold looked as if they were putting a two-out rally together in the bottom of the ninth when Chapman drilled a ball to the base of the wall 353 away down the right field line and ended up on third after the right fielder bobbled the ball. Cheesman followed by ripping a ball to third that just got picked off by the third baseman to end the inning.
New FSU pitcher Trent Jarvis got the first out of the 10th on a strikeout looking but an infield single to short put the winning run on first. A botched hit and run cut the runner down as Cheesman easily threw him out at second. The play really backed fired when a double, that would have plated the winning run put another Vulcan runner in scoring position. That brought Pro Line Cap National Pitcher of the Week Chambliss into the game. The sophomore came in and retired the side sending FSU into extra innings for the first time in 2005.
For the first time since the fourth, FSU led off an inning with a hit as Ryne Malone singled through the left side. Pinch hitter Josh Spivey recorded FSU's first pinch hit of the year on an infield single to put runners on first and second with nobody out. Henry laid down a perfect sac bunt to move the runners around and then Jernigan broke the tie with a beautiful bunt single on a safety squeeze.
Hilo looked to stay alive in the bottom of the tenth with their 16th hit of the game, a one out infield single. The Seminoles second error of the game, an errant throw on a grounder, put runners on the corners with one away. The Vulcans then tied the game on a single to right that moved the winning run just 90 feet from home. Chambliss got the second out on a strikeout swinging and then ended the 10th on a ground out to second.
Thomas led off the 11th with a solid single into right and Robinson followed with a high chopper through the left side. The hit brought new pitcher Vitro into the game. He replaced Kyler Wartman. Chapman stepped in to sac but an errant throw to second on a failed pick off attempt ended with the same result as both runners moved up a base. After an intentional walk to Cheesman, the catcher's second of the game, Malone laced a shot to third that third baseman Johnny Dudoit once again snagged and then just stepped on third to turn the double play and end the threat.
"If it wasn't for their third baseman, this game would have been done an hour earlier," said Cheesman. "He made a couple of great plays."
Danny Wardell led off the 12th by grounding out but a walk and wild pitch put Henry in scoring position. A second walk brought in Eddie Guiterrez, the fourth pitcher for Hilo, as he tried to preserve the tie but the first batter he faced was pinch hitter Rye who singled home FSU's fifth run of the day. The Seminoles went up 6-4 on a delayed steal of home after Rye was thrown out at second.
Chambliss then closed out the 12th giving up just one hit and striking out two batters.
The Seminoles return to action Saturday, March 6 back with another game in Kona, Hawaii for a doubleheader versus Hawaii Hilo. The games are slated for a 7:00 p.m. start in Tallahassee and both games will be seven inning affairs. Freshman All-American Brian Schultz (0-0, 3.86 ERA) is scheduled to start game one and Hunter Jones (2-0, 2.45 ERA) is expected to pitch the second. Game Tracker will be available for all the contests in Hawaii along with Steve Melewski's live radio broadcasts available on WFLA locally and on the Internet at seminoles.com.
NAME POSITION AB R H RBI BB SO PO A
======================= ======== == == == === == == == ==
Shane Robinson CF 5 0 2 1 1 0 1 0
Gibbs Chapman LF 5 0 1 1 1 1 0 0
Aaron Cheesman C 4 0 1 1 2 1 19 2
Ryne Malone 1B 6 1 1 0 0 0 10 1
Brant Peacher DH 4 0 1 0 0 1 0 0
Josh Spivey DH 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0
Danny Wardell PR-DH 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Bryan Henry 3B 4 1 0 0 1 2 0 1
Ryne Jernigan SS 5 1 1 1 1 2 0 1
Ruairi O'Connor RF 2 0 1 0 0 1 1 0
Brandon Manasa PR-RF 2 1 0 0 0 1 1 2
Jack Rye RF 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 0
Tony Thomas 2B 3 2 1 0 3 1 4 3
Barret Browning P 0 1
Kevin Lynch P 0 0
Mark Sauls P 0 0
Trent Jarvis P 0 0
Tyler Chambliss P 0 1
========================
FSU 43 6 11 5 9 10 36 12
Opp 49 4 18 3 5 18 36 11
E - Opp-2, FSU-Ryne Jernigan (6), Ruairi O'Connor (1)
2B - Opp-1, FSU-Gibbs Chapman (5)
HBP - Opp-3, FSU-Ruairi O'Connor (1)
SH - Opp-2, FSU-Bryan Henry (3)
SB - Opp-1, FSU-Shane Robinson (17), Aaron Cheesman (3)
CS - Opp-2, FSU-Danny Wardell (1), Jack Rye (1)
NAME IP H R ER BB SO
============================== ==== == == == == ==
Barret Browning 5.1 7 2 2 2 11
Kevin Lynch 0.2 1 1 0 1 0
Mark Sauls 2.0 5 0 0 1 1
Trent Jarvis 0.2 2 0 0 0 1
Tyler Chambliss W (4-0) 3.1 3 1 0 1 5
===================
FSU 12.0 18 4 2 5 18
Opp L 12.0 11 6 6 9 10
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida State | |||||||||||||||
| Hawaii-Hilo |
KONA, HI - The eighth-ranked FSU baseball team continues to roll in Hawaii versus UHH. The Seminoles (18-1) won their third straight game versus UHH (1-25) and upped their season-best win streak to 10 games with a 5-2 victory in the first game of two seven inning affairs Sunday. Hunter Jones pitched the first complete game of the year by an FSU pitcher as he moved to 3-0 on the season. Shane Robinson extended his hitting streak to 24 games as he went 3-for-4, tying a season high for hits. He has now had seven straight multi-hit games.
"What Shane is doing right now is similar to what J.D Drew did in 1997 with his 34 game streak," said FSU head coach Mike Martin. "Right now Shane is doing everything other than hitting home runs and he is carrying the ball club."
Jones survived a rocky start to pitch all seven innings of the first game of the DH. He ended up striking out seven, which tied a career high and he did not issue a walk. He allowed seven hits and both runs were earned.
"To get seven innings out of Hunter was crucial because we have only three guys that can throw today," said Martin. "That will be a big help in game two coming up."
Robinson didn't wait long to extend his hitting streak as he led off the first inning with a single to right and then swiped his 18th base of the year. Chapman then reached when his sac bunt was mishandled. The left fielder then swiped second to put two runners in scoring position with nobody out but FSU couldn't cash in off starting pitcher Ryan Olszewski.
For the second day in a row, FSU got into a two-out, bases loaded jam in the home half of the first inning. Jones gave up two hits and hit one batter to put Hilo in business. A.J. Satele then broke the scoreless tie with a two-run double into the gap in left.
Olszewski got into trouble himself in the second when his first seven pitches were all balls with a balk sandwiched in to put DH Josh Spivey on second. The UHH hurler then lost Brandon Manasa, making his first start of the year as he got the nod at second. After going 1-0 on the next batter, Olszewski was pulled for Cadian Hendricks (0-1). Bryan Henry sacrificed both runners over putting Seminoles at second and third for the second straight inning. This time FSU was able to plate a run on a Ryne Jernigan ground out. Robinson followed with a single to score FSU's second run of the inning. It was the 13th multi-hit game of the season for Robinson and his 19th RBI. The All-American candidate then equaled his entire steal total for 2004 when he moved to second on his 19th steal.
After a few quiet innings, Robinson led off the fifth with his third hit of the game, a single to center. It is the sixth three-hit game of the year for the center fielder. Gibbs Chapman then came up with the big hit FSU was looking for as he drove a double into the gap in right scoring Robinson from first. After a Cheesman sac moved Chapman to third, Ryne Malone brought him home with a single to right extending the FSU lead to 4-2.
FSU got a little more breathing room in the top of the sixth. Manasa singled on a bunt down the right field line then Henry followed with a monster double to right scoring Manasa from first with the Seminoles' fifth run. The rally came to an end on a great defensive play by left fielder David Chu as he snared a Jernigan fly and gunned Henry down trying to score from third.
The Seminoles complete their five-game set with Hawaii Hilo Monday, March 7 at 8:00 p.m. EST in Hilo, HI. Florida State will then head to the airport and leave for the island of Oahu for four more games. Steve Melewski's live radio broadcasts available on WFLA locally and on the Internet at seminoles.com.
NAME POSITION AB R H RBI BB SO PO A
======================= ======== == == == === == == == ==
Shane Robinson CF 4 1 3 1 0 0 5 0
Gibbs Chapman LF 3 1 1 1 0 1 2 0
Aaron Cheesman C 3 0 0 0 0 1 7 0
Ryne Malone 1B 3 0 1 1 0 0 2 1
Jack Rye RF 2 0 1 0 0 0 1 0
Danny Wardell PH 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Tony Thomas 2B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Josh Spivey DH 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0
Brant Peacher DH 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 0
Brandon Manasa 2B-RF 2 2 1 0 1 0 2 1
Bryan Henry 3B 2 0 1 1 0 0 0 0
Ryne Jernigan SS 3 0 1 1 0 0 1 0
Hunter Jones P 1 2
========================
FSU 25 5 9 5 2 3 21 4
Opp 27 2 7 2 0 7 21 7
E - Opp-1
2B - Opp-1, FSU-Gibbs Chapman (6), Bryan Henry (6)
HBP - Opp-2
SH - Opp-1, FSU-Gibbs Chapman (2), Aaron Cheesman (2), Bryan Henry (4)
SB - FSU-Shane Robinson 2 (19), Gibbs Chapman (10)
CS - FSU-Ryne Malone (2), Ryne Jernigan (1)
NAME IP H R ER BB SO
============================== ==== == == == == ==
Hunter Jones W (3-0) 7.0 7 2 2 0 7
===================
FSU 7.0 7 2 2 0 7
Opp L 7.0 9 5 5 2 3
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida State | ||||||||||
| Hawaii-Hilo |
KONA, HI - Despite starting four players at positions they have never started at in 2005, the eighth-ranked Seminole baseball team kept its winning streak going in the second game of a doubleheader with Hawaii-Hilo Sunday. Tony Thomas, Jr. recorded two triples in a game for the first time since 1997 and Bryan Henry, making his first appearance on the hill for FSU, picked up the win going five innings as the Seminoles (19-1) downed the Vulcans (1-26) 9-2. Shane Robinson also picked up a hit to extend his hitting streak to 25 games. The win was the 11th straight win for FSU and they are now 4-0 on their Hawaii trip.
"This was a day that was very big for us on this trip because we did not have a lot of pitchers and Brian and Trent Jarvis did a great job," said FSU head coach Mike Martin. "Trent is positioning himself to get a lot of innings for us. I am very pleased with the way he is pitching."
Thomas led the way for FSU at the plate after sitting out his first game of the season in the opening game of the twin bill. The freshman second baseman became just the 12th Seminole in school history to record two triples in a game as he went 2-for-3 with three RBIs and a run scored.
"I had a good game today," said Thomas. "My approach to the game today was to look for a pitch I could drive and to keep my hands inside the ball. Their pitcher left the ball up in the zone and I went the opposite way with the first triple. The second was a curveball inside that I just happened to turn on and drive down the line. I didn't know that was a record but that isn't something you think about anyway. It is kind of cool to get your name in the record books though."
Henry, an accomplished pitcher at Florida High and North Florida CC, hadn't seen any action on the mound in 2005 but was masterful in his first action. He allowed just three hits in five innings and carried a no-hitter into the fourth inning. He walked three batters but due to some good defense he faced the minimum through 3 2/3.
"I thought Bryan, who hasn't thrown one single inning all year long, pitched very well," said Martin. "It was a big lift for us to get five strong innings from him. We got the lead and turned it over to the bullpen."
"I was just going out there trying to throw strikes," said Henry. "I was a little rusty. I had a few control problems but I got the job done. It was exciting today. I love pitching and it was a lot of fun. I was trying not to think about the no-hitter and once the guy got the hit I just went back to having fun."
Florida State got off to a quick start against UHH pitcher Joe Pinasco (0-4). Robinson led off the game with a four pitch walk and moved up to second on a wild pitch. A fly out put Robinson 90 feet from home and he put FSU up 1-0 on an Aaron Cheesman RBI, his first of two on the day.
Thomas led the second off with the first hit of the three games at Simmons field that actually made it to the warning track, which more resembles a warning hill with its high slope up. The triple was the first of his career and he ended up coming home on a Nick Francis bunt single up the first base line.
After recording just their third triple of the year in the second, Florida State got another in the fourth equaling the team's season total in one game. The three-base hit from Charles Cleveland scored Ruairi O'Connor who opened the frame with a base hit to right.
Henry had a no hitter going through 3 2/3 innings before getting into some trouble in the fourth. A hit batter, a single and a walk loaded the bases with two away as the sophomore tried to protect a 3-0 lead. His next pitch was popped up just into foul territory on the first base side to retire the side.
Florida State tried to build on the lead in the fifth with a two-out rally that was started by a Danny Wardell double chopped down the third base line. O'Connor then drew a walk bringing up Thomas who had one of FSU's three extra base hits. A double steal moved both runners up a base and then a walk to Thomas loaded the bases. The Seminoles could not cash in though as a pop up to second ended the threat.
UHH put two more runners in scoring position with just one away in the fifth but Henry got the second out on a ground ball to keep hopes of a shutout alive. Henry then got the final out of the fifth on a fly out to right.
In the sixth inning, Robinson came within one strike of seeing his 24-game hitting streak come to an end but the sophomore lined a shot through the right side for his 25th consecutive game with a hit. The base knock moved Francis to third after he was hit by a pitch and he came home on a Gibbs Chapman bunt single. The lead grew to 5-0 on a Cheesman chopper that bounced over the shortstop giving the senior his 16th RBI of the year. The Seminoles really broke the game open thanks once again to Thomas as the freshman recorded his second triple of the game, this one with the bases loaded as FSU moved out to an 8-0 lead.
Jarvis relieved Henry in the sixth and preceded to strikeout the side in his only inning of work. FSU came right back in the seventh looking for more runs. Francis led off with a single past the first baseman and Danny Diaz followed with a double into the gap in right putting runners on second and third. Jack Rye's sac fly plated Francis with FSU's ninth run of the game.
Hilo ended FSU's hopes of its second shutout of the season in the ninth off reliever Matt DiBlasi who allowed one unearned run.
The Seminoles complete their five-game set with Hawaii Hilo Monday, March 7 at 8:00 p.m. EST in Hilo, HI. Florida State will then head to the airport and leaves for the island of Oahu for four more games. Steve Melewski's live radio broadcasts available on WFLA locally and on the Internet at seminoles.com. Game Tracker was unavailable today due to technical difficulties. We are working to fix the problem so please check back to follow the Hawaii games via live stats.
NAME POSITION AB R H RBI BB SO PO A
======================= ======== == == == === == == == ==
Shane Robinson CF 3 2 1 0 1 0 3 0
Jack Rye RF 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0
Gibbs Chapman LF 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 0
Brant Peacher LF 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Aaron Cheesman DH 5 0 1 2 0 0 0 0
Danny Wardell 1B 4 1 1 0 0 1 7 0
Ruairi O'Connor RF 2 1 1 0 1 0 2 0
Brandon Manasa RF-CF 0 1 0 0 1 0 2 0
Tony Thomas 2B 3 1 2 3 1 1 1 1
Charles Cleveland 3B 4 0 1 1 0 2 2 2
Nick Francis SS 3 2 2 1 0 0 0 0
Danny Diaz C 2 0 1 0 1 1 3 1
Bryan Henry P 0 2
Trent Jarvis P 0 0
Matt DiBlasi P 0 0
========================
FSU 30 9 11 9 6 6 21 6
Opp 22 1 4 0 4 4 21 8
E - Opp-3, FSU-Brandon Manasa (1)
2B - FSU-Danny Wardell (2), Danny Diaz (1)
3B - FSU-Tony Thomas 2 (2), Charles Cleveland (1)
HBP - Opp-1, FSU-Nick Francis (1), Danny Diaz (1)
SH - Opp-1
SF - FSU-Jack Rye (3)
SB - Opp-1, FSU-Danny Wardell (2), Ruairi O'Connor (2)
CS - FSU-Danny Diaz (1)
NAME IP H R ER BB SO
============================== ==== == == == == ==
Bryan Henry W (1-0) 5.0 3 0 0 3 0
Trent Jarvis 1.0 0 0 0 0 3
Matt DiBlasi 1.0 1 1 0 1 1
===================
FSU 7.0 4 1 0 4 4
Opp L 7.0 11 9 9 6 6
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida State | ||||||||||
| Hawaii-Hilo |
HILO, HI - Although you may not be able to tell from the final score, the third-ranked Seminole baseball team had to comeback from a 5-0 deficit to get past Hawaii-Hilo and improve to 20-1 on the season with an 11-5 victory Monday. Florida State pounded out 16 hits and got solid relief from Stephen Ochs, game winner Kevin Lynch (4-0) and Matt DiBlasi dropping the Vulcans to 1-27 on the year. Shane Robinson recorded three hits to up his hitting streak to 26 games. The win was the 12th straight for FSU.
Jack Rye and Aaron Cheesman each led the team with three RBIs and both tied team season highs with four hits in the game while Robinson went a perfect 3-for-3 and is now hitting .512 on the year. The five-run comeback was the largest come-from-behind win of the season for FSU, which is now off to the third-best start in school history.
Ryan Strauss started for FSU but only lasted 1 1/3 before giving way to Ochs who kept FSU in the game throwing 3 2/3 scoreless innings. He was followed by Lynch who is now tied for the team lead with four wins after throwing two perfect innings of relief. Matt DiBlasi closed out the win.
Hilo opened the second with a walk and then an error put runners on first and second with nobody out. A sac bunt loaded the bases when Ryne Malone looked to cut down the lead runner at third but his throw was not in time. The FSU pitching staff was holding opposing teams to a .143 average with the bases full but the Vulcans didn't need a hit to take the lead as a Strauss walk broke the scoreless tie. UHH, who had yet to record a hit, got its first with an infield single to third extending the lead to 2-0. Hilo scored another run on a ground out to second but the Vulcans still had runners on the corners with just one out and the second hit of the inning plated yet another UHH run. The Seminoles' second error allowed the fifth run to score as new pitcher Stephen Ochs seemed to have FSU out of the jam on a grounder to third before the botched play at second. Ochs did get FSU out of the inning and hold UHH without any more runs through his 3 2/3 innings of work.
Robinson recorded his second hit of the game in the third and then swiped his 20th base of the season. The 20 steals are a new season high for the sophomore and the 20th swipe proved to be a big one as he came home on Cheesman's single to right field.
Florida State looked to cut further into the lead in the fourth when Jack Rye led off the inning with a hit and a walk off starter Kyle Neuberger (0-2). The UHH starter didn't allow either runner to move off their base though as FSU couldn't get a sac bunt down and Neuberger then proceeded to strike out the next three batters raising his K total to seven on the day with four coming on Seminole batters watching a called third strike.
The FSU bats came to life in the top of the fifth as the Seminoles continued to whittle away at the Hilo lead. Robinson's third hit of the day, a one-out single that tied his game-high for hits, started the rally. Gibbs Chapman then got on base when he was hit by a Neuberger offering. A double steal moved both runners up and then Cheesman drove two runs in with his sixth and seventh RBIs of the trip, which leads the team. Rye followed with a single of his own chasing Neuberger from the game. Despite the new pitcher, the result was the same as Josh Spivey recorded FSU's third straight hit and cut the UHH lead to 5-4.
With a 6:00 p.m. travel deadline looming, UHH looked to solidify their lead on a error, wild pitch and a fielder's choice where nobody was retired on the play. With nobody out and runners on first and second, Kevin Lynch was brought into the game to try and quiet the threat. The senior did just that keeping FSU in the game at 5-4 with a couple fielder's choices and a K to end the sixth.
Cheesman led off the seventh with his third hit of the day. Rye followed by slamming a double just inside the first base bag putting two runners in scoring position with nobody away in what was possibly FSU's last at bat of the game. Spivey sent a hot shot right back to Eddie Gutierrez (1-2) who held the runners at bay while recording the first out. The Seminoles tied the game on a Malone sac fly and then took the lead on a hard hit shot by Bryan Henry to second that was mishandled and called an error.
The eighth inning got underway just 15 minutes before the deadline and Manasa took advantage of the extra at bats with a triple to right field. Following Robinson getting hit by a pitch, Chapman singled in FSU's seventh run of the game. Cheesman loaded the bases with his fourth hit of the day, which is a new team high in 2005 and tied his personal best. Rye, not to be outdone, recorded his fourth hit of the game, an RBI single boosting the FSU lead to 8-5. Josh Spivey then doubled over the head of the left fielder to knock in two more runs and make it a 10-5 game. Malone's sac fly scored another FSU run putting FSU up 11-5.
The Seminoles get their first and only day off Tuesday as the team will visit Pearl Harbor. The Seminoles return to action Wednesday March 9 at 7:00 p.m. Hawaii time and 12:00 a.m. in Tallahassee versus Hawaii Pacific. Steve Melewski's live radio broadcasts available on WFLA locally and on the Internet at seminoles.com.
Due to the time difference, seminoles.com will be the best place to find game stories from the Hawaii trip as soon as the action ends on top of photo galleries both on and off the field. There is only one place to follow the Seminoles as they trek through Hawaii and that is the official website of the Florida State Department of Athletics.
NAME POSITION AB R H RBI BB SO PO A
======================= ======== == == == === == == == ==
Shane Robinson CF 3 3 3 0 1 0 0 0
Gibbs Chapman LF 4 2 1 1 0 0 1 0
Aaron Cheesman C 5 3 4 3 0 1 5 1
Jack Rye RF 5 2 4 1 0 1 1 0
Josh Spivey DH 4 0 2 3 1 1 0 0
Ryne Malone 1B 3 0 0 2 0 2 13 0
Charles Cleveland 3B 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 4
Bryan Henry 3B 4 0 0 1 0 2 1 2
Ryne Jernigan SS 4 0 0 0 0 2 1 2
Nick Francis SS 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
Tony Thomas 2B 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
Brandon Manasa 2B 4 1 1 0 0 1 1 5
Ryan Strauss P 0 0
Stephen Ochs P 0 2
Kevin Lynch P 0 1
Matt DiBlasi P 0 0
========================
FSU 38 11 16 11 2 10 25 17
Opp 33 5 5 5 4 6 24 5
E - Opp-2, FSU-Charles Cleveland (2), Ryne Jernigan (7), Tony Thomas (3), Brandon Manasa (2)
2B - FSU-Jack Rye (4), Josh Spivey (2), Charles Cleveland (3)
3B - FSU-Brandon Manasa (1)
HBP - FSU-Shane Robinson (2), Gibbs Chapman (3)
SH - Opp-1
SF - FSU-Ryne Malone 2 (6)
SB - FSU-Shane Robinson 3 (22), Gibbs Chapman (11)
NAME IP H R ER BB SO
============================== ==== == == == == ==
Ryan Strauss 1.1 2 5 3 2 1
Stephen Ochs 3.2 2 0 0 1 2
Kevin Lynch W (4-0) 2.0 0 0 0 1 1
Matt DiBlasi 1.0 1 0 0 0 2
===================
FSU 8.0 5 5 3 4 6
Opp L 8.0 16 11 10 2 10
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida State | |||||||||||
| Hawaii-Hilo |
HONOLULU, HI - The Seminoles just keep on winning during their spring break trek through Hawaii. Playing in their third different stadium, in their third different city and on their second different island, the FSU baseball team keeps producing the same results. With Wednesday night's 9-1 win over Hawaii Pacific (8-6), the third-ranked Seminoles extended their win streak to 13 games and improved to 6-0 in Hawaii. Mark Sauls (2-0) picked up the win and Ruairi O'Connor hit a three-run, pinch hit homer as FSU moved to 21-1 on the year. Shane Robinson recorded two more hits as he upped his hitting streak to 27 games, tying Luis Alicea for the fifth-longest streak in school history.
Sauls, making his first start since February 4 against VMI, had a strong outing. The junior went 5 2/3 and allowed just two hits and two walks to go along with one strikeout. It was the longest outing of the season for Sauls. Four other pitchers saw action for FSU but no reliever played a bigger role in the win than Kevin Lynch who came in to get a crucial third out with the bases loaded in a 1-0 game.
O'Connor's home run was the biggest hit of the game as the three-run shot was the first FSU homer since Gibbs Chapman's two homer game versus Appalachian State February 27. Speaking of Chapman, the senior went 2-for-3 with a run scored, two RBIs, including the game-winner, and a triple versus the Sea Warriors.
After a quiet first, HPU started the bottom of the second with a leadoff double down the right field line. The Sea Warriors came close to getting on the board with the next batter but Charles Cleveland climbed the ladder at third to snare a line drive and hold the runner at second with one away. Sauls followed with his first walk of the game but a 5-4-3 double play ended the inning.
With six games coming up in three days, the Sea Warriors came into the game planning to use each pitcher sparingly and in the third, HPU already made a move to the bullpen bringing in left-hander Anthony Ganigan. The freshman pitcher walked the second batter he faced putting Tony Thomas, Jr. on base with his 18th walk of the year, second on the team. Robinson then got hit by a pitch for the second time in the game putting runners on first and second but Ganigan closed down the threat.
The third Sea Warrior pitcher of the night kept the HPU no-hitter going through 4 2/3 before Thomas broke it up with a sharply hit single to left. Robinson followed with a shot to the warning track in front of the 365 foot sign in left center but the drive did not fall in ending the top of the fifth.
Chapman led off the sixth with the second Seminole hit of the night. Hawaii Pacific's third pitcher of the night, Pierce Manglallan (2-1), got the next two outs before giving up an RBI single to Brant Peacher. The RBI was the fourth of the year for the DH and scored Chapman who moved up to second with his 12 steal of the season.
Sauls got into trouble in the bottom of the sixth giving up a walk and a single to put runners on first and second. After a fly out, FSU brought Trent Jarvis into the game and the reliever faced just one batter who he walked. The Seminoles went back to the pen and Lynch came in and closed the threat down facing just one batter and leaving the bases full with a strikeout.
In the seventh, Ryne Jernigan started things off with a walk and a steal bringing up Robinson with one out in the inning. The sophomore extended his hitting streak to 27 with an infield chopper over the pitcher's outstretched glove. It was the fourth time in 2005 that Robinson extended his streak with a seventh inning hit. Chapman then extended the lead to 2-0 with a sac fly to deep straight away center field. It was Chapman's team-leading 25th RBI. After an intentional walk to Aaron Cheesman and an HPU pitching change, O'Connor recorded FSU's first pinch hit homer of the year. The freshman sent a deep shot into the stands in left field for the second home run of his career. He is second on the team in homers and just the second Seminole to have more than one HR on the year.
The Sea Warriors broke up the shutout in the bottom of the seventh. After a walk and a single to start the inning, a double play left HPU with a runner on third and two outs but an infield hit to second brought the run home.
Florida State tacked on two more runs in the eighth. Back-to-back walks and a passed ball moved two runners into scoring position for Robinson who recorded another infield single driving in two runs, one coming home on a throwing error at first. Chapman then brought Robinson home with a triple to deep center field as FSU went up 8-1.
The Seminoles put up their final run in the ninth thanks to an error on a Brandon Manasa infield hit and a sacrifice fly for Bryan Henry.
The Seminoles will complete their Hawaii trip with a three-game series beginning Thursday versus the University of Hawaii (9-8). First pitch is scheduled for 11:35 p.m. Tallahassee time. Steve Melewski's live radio broadcasts will be available on WFLA locally and on the Internet at seminoles.com. Game Tracker will also be available for the three-game set. Sophomore Michael Hyde (4-1, 1.78) is scheduled to throw for FSU.
Due to the time difference, seminoles.com will be the best place to find game stories from the Hawaii trip as soon as the action ends on top of photo galleries both on and off the field. There is only one place to follow the Seminoles as they trek through Hawaii and that is the official website of the Florida State Department of Athletics.
NAME POSITION AB R H RBI BB SO PO A
======================= ======== == == == === == == == ==
Shane Robinson CF 3 2 2 1 0 0 0 0
Gibbs Chapman LF 3 1 2 2 1 0 2 0
Aaron Cheesman C 3 1 0 0 1 1 2 0
Danny Diaz C 1 0 0 0 0 0 7 0
Jack Rye RF 3 0 0 0 0 1 1 0
Ruairi O'Connor PH 1 1 1 3 0 0 0 0
Brandon Manasa RF 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0
Josh Spivey DH 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Brant Peacher PH-DH 2 0 1 1 0 0 0 0
Danny Wardell PH-DH 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 0
Ryne Malone 1B 4 0 0 0 1 1 11 0
Charles Cleveland 3B 2 0 0 0 0 1 1 2
Bryan Henry PH-3B 1 1 0 1 1 0 0 0
Ryne Jernigan SS 2 1 0 0 1 0 0 4
Nick Francis SS 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 1
Tony Thomas 2B 4 0 1 0 1 3 2 3
Mark Sauls P 1 2
Trent Jarvis P 0 0
Kevin Lynch P 0 0
Ryan Strauss P 0 0
========================
FSU 32 9 7 8 9 8 27 12
Opp 30 1 5 1 5 9 27 7
E - Opp-2
2B - Opp-1
3B - FSU-Gibbs Chapman (1)
HR - FSU-Ruairi O'Connor (2)
HBP - FSU-Shane Robinson 2 (4)
SF - FSU-Gibbs Chapman (3), Bryan Henry (2)
SB - FSU-Shane Robinson 2 (24), Gibbs Chapman (12), Ryne Jernigan (4)
NAME IP H R ER BB SO
============================== ==== == == == == ==
Mark Sauls W (2-0) 5.2 2 0 0 2 1
Trent Jarvis 0.0 0 0 0 1 0
Kevin Lynch 0.1 0 0 0 0 1
Ryan Strauss Sv(1) 3.0 3 1 1 2 7
===================
FSU 9.0 5 1 1 5 9
Opp L 9.0 7 9 8 9 8
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida State | ||||||||||||
| Hawaii Pacific |
HONOLULU, HI - All good things must come to an end and for the third-ranked FSU baseball team that end came Thursday night at the hands of the University of Hawaii. The Rainbows (10-8) ended Florida State's 13-game winning streak by handing the Seminoles (21-2) their worst shutout loss in program history. The 15-0 defeat was the most lopsided loss since 1982 when FSU dropped a 21-5 decision to Georgia February 20.
While the Seminole win streak came to an end Shane Robinson's hit streak continued as the sophomore recorded a hit in his 28th straight game with an eighth inning single. It was the second straight game he extended his streak in his final at bat and it is the latest he has had to wait for a hit in 2005.
Florida State allowed a season high 19 hits in the loss and the 15 runs allowed were the most allowed since a 15-2 loss to Virginia May 8, 2004. Rainbow starter Stephen Bryant (4-0) went seven innings and allowed just one hit. He struck out eight Seminoles while issuing four walks. He carried a no-hitter into the sixth inning. Michael Hyde took the loss for FSU dropping his record to 4-2 on the year. Hyde's final line was 5 2/3 with 10 hits, 10 runs, all of which were earned, four strikeouts and two walks.
Hyde was cruising through 2 2/3 but a single and a steal put a runner in scoring position. When UH shortstop Joe Spiers got to second, as soon as Hyde set, he took off for third and before Hyde realized it the infielder had swiped back-to-back bases. The mental lapse seemed to shake Hyde who walked the next two batters and then gave up a two-run single putting the Rainbows up 2-0. Hyde next gave up a double off the left field wall as the two-out rally continued with UH going in front 3-0. The Rainbows went up 5-0 on another extra base hit plating the runners at second and third as Hyde continued to labor.
Hyde's two out troubles continued in the bottom of the fourth as he gave up a single and Hawaii then swiped their third base of the night. Another double drove in the sixth run of the night for the Rainbows. Things got worse for the sophomore as three pitches later he gave up the first home run of the season to Hawaii when Isaac Omura went yard over the right field wall extending the lead to 8-0.
It took 5 1/3 innings but FSU finally got a hit when Tony Thomas, Jr. sent a double into the gap in right giving FSU its first base runner since a two-out walk in the first inning. After recording the second out of the inning, Gibbs Chapman drew a walk to put runners on first and second. The Seminoles couldn't get a run home though.
Hawaii put two more runners in scoring position before giving way to Stephen Ochs. The freshman's third pitch of the game was wild scoring the ninth run of the game and an infield single made it 10-0. Ochs gave up two more hits to load the bases as FSU continued to struggle with two outs in an inning but the freshman got out of the inning without any further damage.
Hawaii loaded the bases again in the seventh with a couple infield hits and an FSU error, the first of the night. The Rainbows eventually batted around putting up the final five runs of the game.
The Seminoles will continue their series with Hawaii Friday. First pitch is scheduled for 11:35 p.m. Tallahassee time. Steve Melewski's live radio broadcasts will be available on WFLA locally and on the Internet at seminoles.com. Game Tracker will also be available for the three-game set. Junior Barret Browning (2-0, 1.35) is scheduled to throw for FSU.
Due to the time difference, seminoles.com will be the best place to find game stories from the Hawaii trip as soon as the action ends on top of photo galleries both on and off the field. There is only one place to follow the Seminoles as they trek through Hawaii and that is the official website of the Florida State Department of Athletics.
NOTE: Seminole baseball fans, their families and friends can get a live glimpse of the team in Hawaii Friday at 8:30 p.m. EST. The team will be posing in front of the Duke Kahanamoku on Waikiki Beach and there is a 24-hour live web cam focused on the statue. To see live video of the team, log on to seminoles.com for the link and get a look at FSU in Hawaii.
NAME POSITION AB R H RBI BB SO PO A
======================= ======== == == == === == == == ==
Shane Robinson CF 4 0 1 0 0 1 4 0
Gibbs Chapman LF 3 0 0 0 1 1 1 0
Aaron Cheesman C 2 0 0 0 1 1 5 0
Danny Diaz C 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Jack Rye RF 3 0 0 0 0 0 2 0
Ruairi O'Connor RF 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
Ryne Malone 1B 2 0 0 0 1 1 6 0
Danny Wardell 1B 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
Josh Spivey DH 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Brant Peacher PH-DH 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0
Nick Francis SS 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Ryne Jernigan SS-2B 3 0 0 0 0 2 2 4
Bryan Henry 3B 2 0 0 0 0 1 1 2
Charles Cleveland PH-3B 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
Tony Thomas 2B 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 1
Brandon Manasa 2B-P 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 1
Michael Hyde P 0 0
Stephen Ochs P 0 0
========================
FSU 28 0 3 0 4 8 24 9
Opp 44 15 19 14 3 4 27 9
E - FSU-Ryne Jernigan (8)
2B - Opp-4, FSU-Tony Thomas (4)
HR - Opp-1
SB - Opp-3
CS - FSU-Tony Thomas (2)
NAME IP H R ER BB SO
============================== ==== == == == == ==
Michael Hyde L (4-2) 5.2 10 10 10 2 4
Stephen Ochs 0.2 8 5 4 0 0
Brandon Manasa 1.2 1 0 0 1 0
===================
FSU 8.0 19 15 14 3 4
Opp W 9.0 3 0 0 4 8
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida State | ||||||||||||
| Hawaii |
HONOLULU, HI - After the worst shutout loss in program history Thursday night, it looked like the third-ranked FSU baseball team was ready to prove a point in game two of the series with Hawaii. The Seminoles scored four runs in the first inning and were up 5-1 in the middle of the fourth but mistakes cost them down the stretch as they let UH (11-8) score five runs in the final three innings, including a walk-off single, in a 7-6 loss. FSU (21-3) committed four errors, struck out 10 times and allowed UH to score seven runs with just two RBIs in the loss. Closer Tyler Chambliss (4-1) gave up two runs, one of which was earned, and suffered his first defeat of the season.
For the second night in a row, FSU was left with the only consolation from the loss being Shane Robinson's continued hit streak. The sophomore kept up his hot hitting going 3-for-5 and extending his hit streak to 29 games, which now ranks as the fourth-best streak ever and the third longest since two of the top three are tied at 33.
Barret Browning, who got the start for Florida State, did not factor into the decision after pitching 3 2/3 while allowing two runs, one of which was unearned, and striking out four with three walks. UH reliever Steven Wright (2-2) picked up the win after a stellar performance in relief of Ricky Bauer. Wright went 6 2/3 while allowing just one run and striking out 10 batters. He issued just two walks and held FSU without a run over the final five innings.
For the ninth time in 2005, Robinson started the game with a hit. After waiting until the eighth inning last night, he extended his streak to 29 games in the first inning Friday. Gibbs Chapman followed with a single, which put runners on the corners. Bauer then loaded the bases when he plunked Aaron Cheesman. Jack Rye followed with a ground rule double scoring two runs. It was FSU's third hit of the inning, equaling its total from nine innings Thursday night. After the first out of the inning, Brant Peacher knocked in two more runs with a single through the infield.
The Seminoles went right back to work in the second with a lead-off single up the middle by Nick Francis. A sac bunt moved the freshman into scoring position and then he moved to third on a wild pitch. Francis was left standing at third though as Bauer came back and got the next two outs.
For the third straight inning, FSU recorded a hit when Rye blooped a one-out double down the left field line. The freshman ended up 2-for-5 on the night with two RBIs and two runs scored. Ryne Malone then knocked in his 15th RBI of the year on a single into right as FSU went up 5-0.
Rainbow lead-off hitter Joe Spiers manufactured a run all by himself in the bottom of the third. The freshman from California beat out an infield hit to second. He ten swiped second and third before scoring on a wild pitch by Browning.
In the top of the fourth, FSU recorded back-to-back one out singles by Francis and Tony Thomas, Jr. off UH reliever Wright, who came into the game with a team-best 0.98 ERA. Robinson got to the ace reliever as well with his 12th double of the season scoring Francis and putting FSU in front 6-1. It was the 16th multi-hit game of the season for Robinson.
Browning got into his first jam in bottom of the fourth as he gave up two hits and an error at third loaded the bases with one away. A fly out to shallow center accounted for the second out but a passed ball moved all the runners up a base and cut the lead to 6-2. That brought in Kevin Lynch who lost the batter as he came into the game with a 3-1 count and threw a first pitch strike and then a ball to re-load the bases. The senior got a fly ball out to end the Hawaii threat.
Robinson tried to help FSU pad its lead in the sixth when he recorded his third hit of the night. He then swiped his 25th base. On the attempted put out, the ball sailed into center field allowing the sophomore to move to third. FSU was unable to bring him home though as two fly ball outs ended the top of the inning.
The Rainbows didn't threaten again until the bottom of the seventh when back-to-back two out walks by Lynch put a runner in scoring position. The senior was all but out of the inning before a ground ball error allowed a run to score cutting the lead to 6-3. A wild pitch and a single scored two more runs as UH sliced the lead to 6-5 on three unearned runs.
Tyler Chambliss relieved Lynch in the bottom of the eighth after the senior tied a season-best with 3 1/3 innings pitched. Chambliss set down the first two batters before an infield error allowed the dangerous Spiers to reach. The freshman swiped his fourth base of the night to get into scoring position. A hard hit shot by catcher Erik Ammon right to second was too hot to handle as the Seminoles' second straight error allowed UH to tie the game at 6-6.
After FSU went down 1-2-3 in the top of the ninth, UH carried the momentum into the bottom of the frame and used a lead-off walk and a single to put runners on first and second with nobody out as they attempted to secure the series win. FSU recorded the first out on a failed sac but they couldn't get pinch hitter Jose Castaneda who singled home the game-winning run.
The Seminoles will complete the series and their trip to Hawaii Saturday. First pitch is scheduled for 6:05 p.m. Tallahassee time. Steve Melewski's live radio broadcasts will be available on WFLA locally and on the Internet at seminoles.com. Game Tracker will also be available for the three-game set. Hunter Jones (3-0, 2.49) is scheduled to throw for FSU.
NAME POSITION AB R H RBI BB SO PO A
======================= ======== == == == === == == == ==
Shane Robinson CF 5 1 3 1 0 0 3 0
Gibbs Chapman LF 5 1 1 0 0 2 1 0
Aaron Cheesman C 3 1 0 0 1 1 7 0
Jack Rye RF 5 2 2 2 0 0 0 0
Josh Spivey DH 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Ryne Malone 1B 4 0 1 1 1 1 10 0
Brant Peacher DH 4 0 2 2 0 1 0 0
Brandon Manasa PR-RF 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Charles Cleveland 3B 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 0
Bryan Henry PH-3B 2 0 1 0 0 1 0 1
Nick Francis SS 4 1 2 0 0 2 1 5
Tony Thomas 2B 3 0 1 0 0 1 3 3
Barret Browning P 0 0
Kevin Lynch P 0 1
Tyler Chambliss P 0 1
========================
FSU 37 6 13 6 2 10 25 11
Opp 37 7 8 2 6 7 27 11
E - Opp-1, FSU-Charles Cleveland (3), Nick Francis (4), Tony Thomas 2 (5)
2B - Opp-1, FSU-Shane Robinson (12), Jack Rye 2 (6)
HBP - FSU-Aaron Cheesman (2)
SH - FSU-Tony Thomas (3)
SB - Opp-5, FSU-Shane Robinson (25)
NAME IP H R ER BB SO
============================== ==== == == == == ==
Barret Browning 3.2 4 2 1 3 4
Kevin Lynch 3.1 2 3 0 2 2
Tyler Chambliss L (4-1) 1.1 2 2 1 1 1
===================
FSU 8.1 8 7 2 6 7
Opp W 9.0 13 6 6 2 10
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida State | ||||||||||||
| Hawaii |
HONOLULU, HI - Saturday's series finale between Florida State and Hawaii seemed all too familiar to the third-ranked Seminoles. For the second straight day FSU jumped out to a 4-0 lead only to see the lead evaporate and mistakes cost them the game as UH (12-8) staged it's second straight come-from-behind victory. The 9-6 Rainbow win completed the three-game sweep for UH marking the first time the Seminoles (21-4) have been swept by a non-conference opponent since Arizona State did it in Tempe in February of 2004. A seven-run fourth inning broke the game open for the Bows. Tyler Chambliss (0-1) was saddled with the loss in relief and Guy McDowell picked up the win (2-0).
Shane Robinson extended his hitting streak to 30 games but three more errors raised the FSU total to eight in the series to go along with 25 strikeouts. The 25 K's were the most by the FSU batters in any three-game series this season. Unlike yesterday's game, eight of the nine Hawaii runs were earned today as FSU starter Hunter Jones was unable to make it out of the fourth inning. It was the second straight game in which an FSU starter was unable to throw four complete.
"As a team we showed up this whole trip ready to play ball," said Robinson. "We played some teams that were scrappy and ready to get after it. We made too many mistakes. They cost us two or all three of these games versus a good Hawaii team. They deserve credit for capitalizing on our mistakes. We didn't take advantage of our chances."
The first pitch UH starter Justin Costi threw was ripped down the left field line by Robinson for his 13th double of the year. A one out walk to Aaron Cheesman put two runners on base for FSU's hottest hitter Jack Rye. The freshman lined a single to left scoring Robinson with the first run of the ball game. DH Brant Peacher followed with a single of his own to load the bases. A four pitch walk to Danny Wardell made it a 2-0 game with the bases still juiced.
Ryne Jernigan led off the second with a bunt single and moved to second on a throwing error. Francis sacrificed Jernigan to third and Costi walked Robinson to put runners on the corners. Gibbs Chapman sacrificed the third run of the game home for FSU and Cheesman followed with the team's fifth hit of the game. The Seminole's scored their fourth run on a Jack Rye single past a diving first baseman as FSU broke out to a 4-0 lead for the second day in a row.
Jones gave up his first hit of the game in the bottom of the second and then walked a Rainbow hitter but UH couldn't advance the runners on a pop out to second and a foul out to the catcher.
Hawaii got on the board off FSU starter Jones in the bottom of the fourth thanks to a lead-off double followed by an RBI single. An error in the outfield put the batter in scoring position as UH looked to stage another comeback. A wild pitch moved the Rainbow base runner to third and then the second double of the inning brought the run in and halved the FSU lead at 4-2. The lead shrunk to 4-3 on the third two-base hit of the frame. The third double ended Jones' day and brought Brian Schultz into the game. The new Seminole hurler couldn't stop the Bows from recording their fifth straight hit of the inning as another single put runners on the corners. Schultz hit the next batter as things got worse for the Seminoles with bases loaded and still nobody out in the inning. Jose Castaneda, the hero from last night became the hero Saturday as he cleared the bases with one swing. The grand slam was the first of the season for UH and now both of the team's home runs have come off FSU pitching.
In the top of the fifth, FSU got a run back via a walk and a two-out double by Bryan Henry. The RBI extra base hit cut the UH lead to 7-5. Jernigan kept the two-out rally going as he also doubled into the gap in right this time scoring Henry as the lead shrunk to 7-6.
Pinch hitter Ryne Malone led off the seventh with a walk and Danny Wardell followed with a free pass of his own as FSU tried to wrestle the lead back off UH reliever Guy McDowell (1-0). That brought new pitcher Darrell Fisherbaugh into the game who promptly got the first out on a fielder's choice at second base. He then ended the would-be rally by getting Ryne Jernigan to ground into an inning ending double play.
An infield single by Joe Spiers and a sacrifice put a runner in scoring position for the Bows. That signaled the end of Schultz's (0-1) day as Matt DiBlasi came into the game. The junior gave up a hit to the first batter he faced and the ball skidded by the glove of right fielder Ruairi O'Connor for a two-base error that boosted the UH lead to 8-6. Another single got the Rainbow's ninth run of the day home.
Pinch hitter Brandon Manasa drew a lead-off walk in the eighth but the top of the FSU batting order couldn't come through as the No. 1 and No. 2 hitters each watched strike three.
Florida State got in more trouble in the bottom of the eighth. After new pitcher Trent Jarvis recorded the first two outs he gave up a walk and then allowed the runner to move to third on two wild pitches. That brought Henry onto the hill. Hawaii tried a double steal to score the run from third but he was pegged at home keeping the score 9-6.
Florida State returns to Tallahassee to open conference play versus Virginia Tech Friday, March 18. The game is slated for a 6:00 p.m. first pitch and it will be carried live on Sun Sports. Steve Melewski's live radio broadcasts will be available on WFLA locally and on the Internet at seminoles.com. Game Tracker will also be available for the three-game set.
NAME POSITION AB R H RBI BB SO PO A
======================= ======== == == == === == == == ==
Shane Robinson CF 4 2 1 0 1 2 2 0
Gibbs Chapman LF 3 0 0 1 1 1 1 0
Aaron Cheesman C 4 1 2 0 1 0 5 3
Jack Rye RF 4 0 2 2 0 2 1 0
Ruairi O'Connor RF 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
Brant Peacher DH 3 0 1 0 0 0 0 0
Ryne Malone PH-3B 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0
Danny Wardell 1B 2 1 0 1 3 0 8 0
Bryan Henry 3B-P 4 1 1 1 0 0 0 2
Ryne Jernigan 2B 4 1 2 1 0 0 4 3
Nick Francis SS 2 0 0 0 0 2 2 2
Brandon Manasa PH-SS 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0
Hunter Jones P 0 0
Brian Schultz P 0 1
Matt DiBlasi P 0 0
Trent Jarvis P 0 1
========================
FSU 32 6 9 6 8 7 24 12
Opp 32 9 12 8 3 3 27 10
E - Opp-1, FSU-Matt DiBlasi (1), Jack Rye (1), Ruairi O'Connor (2)
2B - Opp-3, FSU-Shane Robinson (13), Bryan Henry (7), Ryne Jernigan (2)
HR - Opp-1
HBP - Opp-1
SH - Opp-1, FSU-Nick Francis (1)
SF - FSU-Gibbs Chapman (4)
SB - FSU-Gibbs Chapman (13)
CS - Opp-2
NAME IP H R ER BB SO
============================== ==== == == == == ==
Hunter Jones 3.0 5 4 4 1 0
Brian Schultz L (0-1) 3.1 5 4 4 0 2
Matt DiBlasi 0.2 2 1 0 0 1
Trent Jarvis 0.2 0 0 0 2 0
Bryan Henry 0.1 0 0 0 0 0
===================
FSU 8.0 12 9 8 3 3
Opp W-Sv 9.0 9 6 6 8 7
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida State | ||||||||||||
| Hawaii |
TALLAHASSEE, FL - Florida State senior reliever Kevin Lynch is creating quite a legacy this season. Lynch came in to a 2-1 game with the bases loaded and no outs versus Virginia Tech and left the inning with the score the same. He then left the game with his team-leading fifth win as he is now 5-0 on the year. It was the sixth time this year that Lynch has come in with the bases loaded and the fifth time he left without giving up a run as he and the 13th-ranked Seminoles (22-4, 1-0) won their 14th straight ACC home opener with a 3-1 win over Virginia Tech (6-6, 1-4) Friday night. Jack Rye knocked in two runs, Shane Robinson extended his hitting streak to 31 games and Tyler Chambliss picked up his sixth save.
Lynch set a career-high for innings pitched as he went four complete in picking up his fifth win. The Ft. Pierce, FL native did not allow a run or issue a walk while striking out six batters.
"Kevin is a very poised young man that won't back away or be intimidated by any situation," said FSU head coach Mike Martin. "He just enjoys competing. We know he is going to be out there fighting and competing on every pitch."
"I don't know why I have had success with the bases loaded, luck I guess," said Lynch. "I just come in there but I think I zone in a little more when there are runners everywhere. I can't give up a hit because I know a runner will advance and come in to score on any mistake so I come in with my A game. I am concentrating as best as I can to throw strikes."
The win extended Florida State's home winning streak in ACC opening series to 29 games dating back to 1995. It also snapped the team's three-game losing streak that ended the trip through the Hawaii. FSU has now won seven straight home games.
"There is nothing like being at home and playing in front of our great fans," said Martin. "This was not your average March 18 night with the temperatures in the 40's. It was a hard fought game and we expected nothing less from Virginia Tech."
It didn't take FSU's All-American candidate long to extend his hit streak as the first pitch Robinson saw from Hokie starter Nicky Bowers (0-3) he drove into shallow center field. Robinson moved up to second on a ground out and then Rye came through with a big two-out RBI. The Seminoles new clean-up hitter blooped a single into left scoring Robinson from second as FSU took a 1-0 lead.
Virginia Tech tried to answer FSU in the top of the second with a two-out rally. The Tech seven and eight hitters each recorded two-out singles to put runners on the corners. FSU starter Barret Browning got out of the top of the inning on the next batter as a grounder to short ended the threat.
Florida State went back on the attack in the third as Robinson got on base to start the inning again, this time via his 16th walk of the year. Gibbs Chapman followed with a single to put runners on the corners with nobody out. Rye then drove in the run on a sac fly giving him his third straight multi-RBI game.
With FSU up 2-0, Virginia Tech tried to keep the game in reach with back-to-back singles to start the fifth. The next Hokie laid down a sac bunt and Browning tried to cut down the lead runner unsuccessfully loading the bases with nobody out. Browning started 3-0 versus the next batter and eventually lost him walking in Tech's first run of the night. The walk not only ended the shutout but also ended Browning's night.
"Barret certainly pitched well and it was a shame we had to go get him," said Martin. "He really did not make as big a mistake as I thought he had when I found out we didn't keep that runner close at second. The guy bunted the ball right back to Barret and he made the play we work on in practice. Unfortunately it should have gone to first but the reason he went to third is because that is what we practice. We allowed the guy at second to get too good of a jump and Barret has his back to the play and did what he was taught to do. Unfortunately at that time it was the wrong thing to do."
That brought Lynch in for the 107th time in his career and the sixth time this season with the bases loaded. On four of the previous five occasions he came in with the bases full he did not allow a runner to score. Friday night he got off to a good start with a K to the first batter he faced. Then he got the second batter to pop up into shallow right field where second baseman Tony Thomas, Jr. made a great play to make the catch and keep the runner at third.
"I was hoping the guy at third would test me because I was ready to come up firing," said Thomas. "I saw he wasn't going anywhere when I came up but I got up as quick as I could anyway. I wanted the chance to help my team by getting that out at home.
Lynch then proceeded to get the third out just like the first on a K looking to end the top of the fifth and the bases loaded threat.
"I like the challenge of coming in with the bases full," said Lynch. "11 (Martin) has confidence in me every time this situation arises. I love the fact he has that confidence in me. I just go out there and accept the challenge by taking it one pitch at a time."
Aaron Cheesman started a rally in the sixth as he led off the inning with a solid single to left field. He moved to second on a ground out by Rye. Brant Peacher then drove Cheesman home with a double just inside the bag at third to give FSU an insurance run with a 3-1 lead.
The Seminoles continue their series with the Hokies Saturday, March 19 at 6:00 p.m. The Garnet and Gold is expected to throw Michael Hyde (4-2). Game Tracker will be available for the contest along with a live radio broadcast available on WFLA locally and on the Internet at seminoles.com.
NAME POSITION AB R H RBI BB SO PO A
======================= ======== == == == === == == == ==
Shane Robinson CF 3 2 1 0 1 1 1 0
Gibbs Chapman LF 4 0 1 0 0 0 1 0
Aaron Cheesman C 3 1 1 0 1 1 12 0
Jack Rye RF 3 0 1 2 0 0 0 0
Brandon Manasa RF 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Brant Peacher DH 4 0 2 1 0 0 0 0
Ryne Malone 1B 3 0 0 0 0 1 7 0
Bryan Henry 3B 3 0 0 0 0 1 0 0
Ryne Jernigan SS 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 6
Tony Thomas 2B 3 0 0 0 0 3 6 2
Barret Browning P 0 2
Kevin Lynch P 0 0
Tyler Chambliss P 0 0
========================
FSU 29 3 6 3 2 7 27 10
Opp 34 1 7 1 3 12 24 8
E - FSU-Bryan Henry (5), Ryne Jernigan (9)
2B - FSU-Brant Peacher (7)
SH - Opp-1
SF - FSU-Jack Rye (4)
SB - Opp-1, FSU-Gibbs Chapman (14)
NAME IP H R ER BB SO
============================== ==== == == == == ==
Barret Browning 4.0 6 1 1 2 4
Kevin Lynch W (5-0) 4.0 0 0 0 0 6
Tyler Chambliss Sv(6) 1.0 1 0 0 1 2
===================
FSU 9.0 7 1 1 3 12
Opp L 8.0 6 3 3 2 7
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia Tech | ||||||||||||
| Florida State |
TALLAHASSEE, FL - Last night the 13th-ranked FSU baseball team managed three runs in an ACC-opening win over Virginia Tech (6-7, 1-5). Saturday night they need just 2/3 of an inning to surpass that total as Florida State (23-4, 2-0) pounded out 13 hits in downing Virginia Tech 12-2. It was FSU's 30th straight home win during an ACC opening weekend.
Michael Hyde (5-2) picked up the victory for FSU going six innings and Shane Robinson collected three hits as he moved two games away from tying the FSU record for the longest hitting streak in school history (34). Ruairi O'Connor racked up five RBIs and two doubles in his ACC debut. O'Connor set career highs for hits in a game (3), doubles in a game (2) and RBIs in a game (5).
"I struggled for a while but I am starting to feel good at the plate," said O'Connor. "It is a great feeling to come up with runners on and help my team win. My confidence is growing but I know this game will humble you in a second. I have to keep working and stay even keeled. That is where I am right now. I am trying not to get too high off this performance."
"Ruairi certainly did have some good at bats tonight but there were a lot of young men that had good at bats tonight," said FSU head coach Mike Martin. "We have told these guys that they aren't freshmen anymore. Tonight our hitters showed good discipline and were aggressive in counts they needed to be aggressive with but it was a big lift for us when Ruairi drove those runs in tonight."
Hyde went six innings allowing two runs on eight hits. He struck out six batters and did not issue a walk. The Tallahassee native has now allowed just two walks in the last 17 2/3 innings of work and he has not issued a walk in two of his last three outings. The sophomore has also gone five or more innings in every appearance this season.
"Coach Martin is really stressing coming out and getting ahead of hitters and not giving up free passes," said Hyde. "I have been able to do that so far this year and that is the way I have to do it because I am not going to over power guys. I have to get out ahead and make hitters hit my pitches. I have been fortunate to do that so far."
This was the seventh time in eight outings that Hyde has allowed three runs or less and the sixth straight game in which he has struck out more batters than he has walked. The only two times that Hyde has allowed more than two earned runs in a game came in a three-run performance versus Auburn and in his previous start versus Hawaii where the Rainbows touched him up for 10 runs.
"I was just glad to be out here especially after losing that game in Hawaii," said Hyde. "I wanted to come out and prove myself. This was a conference game and ACC games are always big so it felt good to put that last start behind me and get back to helping my team win."
The Hokies broke out to an early 1-0 lead in the first thanks to a two-out base hit to right by designated hitter Billy Marn. The single scored Nate Parks from second after he led off the game with a base hit.
For the second straight game and the 12th time in 32 games, Robinson extended his hit streak in the first inning as he singled to right center. A balk moved Robinson to second and then Gibbs Chapman beat out a sac bunt attempt at first for a bunt single putting runners on the corners. An Aaron Cheesman walk loaded the base as Tech starter Ryan Kennedy (2-2) was still in search for his first out of the game. An error at first allowed two FSU runs to come home and after a sac bunt, a ground out by Ryne Jernigan brought the third run of the inning home. O'Connor then picked up his first RBI on a single through the left side as the Seminoles moved in front 4-1.
"We did a lot of things right tonight but especially in the first when we scored four runs," said Martin. "That inning was a big lift. I was very pleased with the at bat Cheesman had where he worked the count to get a walk and load the bases. He set things up for Peacher and he hit the ball hard and it got by their first baseman. It was a very good inning of baseball and it set the tone for us."
Florida State tried to add to the lead in the second as Tony Thomas, Jr. led the inning off with a single and eventually moved to second. A two-out walk to Cheesman brought up Brant Peacher who drove the fifth run of the game in for FSU with a single to center field.
A bizarre third inning resulted in another FSU run as the Seminoles moved out in front 6-1. It all started with a Jernigan bunt single. The freshman looked to have swiped second but batter interference was called for the first out sending Jernigan back to first. Charles Cleveland singled to put runners on first and second. Thomas then popped up in between home plate and the pitcher's mound. With the infield fly rule in effect, the second baseman was called out despite Virginia Tech loosing the ball in the lights allowing Jernigan to move to third. A Robinson infield single brought the run home.
Hyde got into his first real trouble of the night in the fourth as he gave up a run and then three straight singles to load the bases with two away but a grounder to Cleveland, who turned a key double play earlier in the inning, ended the top of the fourth.
The Seminoles first extra base hit of the series came via a Peacher double to the gap in left. The hit moved Cheesman to third after the senior drew his third walk of the game. It was also the catcher's sixth straight game with a walk. A free pass to Jernigan loaded the bases and O'Connor knocked in two runs as he sent a shot into the gap in left for his third double of the season. The double ended Kennedy's night and brought reliever M.J. Hurley into the game. Cleveland welcomed the reliever with a single to shallow right driving in two more runs and extending the FSU lead to 10-2.
Hurley got right back into trouble in the bottom of the seventh walking the first two batters he faced on nine pitches before recording his first out. Hurley got out number two before a wild pitch moved both runners into scoring position. New short stop Nick Francis got hit to load the bases, which signaled the end of the night for Hurley as Matt McGahey entered the game for the Hokies. O'Connor greeted the freshman by doubling home two more runs as he upped his RBI total to five and the Seminole lead to 12-2.
"I got two fast balls on both of those doubles," said O'Connor. "I just sat on them and drove them. When you get to see good pitches because the guys in front of you are getting on base, good things happen."
The Seminoles conclude their series with the Hokies Sunday, March 20 at 1:00 p.m. The Garnet and Gold is expected to throw Mark Sauls (2-0, 0.52 ERA). Game Tracker will be available for the contest along with a live radio broadcast available on WFLA locally and on the Internet at seminoles.com.
NAME POSITION AB R H RBI BB SO PO A
======================= ======== == == == === == == == ==
Shane Robinson CF 5 1 3 1 0 1 1 0
Jack Rye RF 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Gibbs Chapman LF 4 2 1 0 1 0 1 0
Dennis Guinn PH-1B 1 0 0 0 0 1 2 0
Aaron Cheesman C 1 2 0 0 3 0 6 1
Danny Diaz C 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0
Brant Peacher DH 4 2 2 2 0 0 0 0
Josh Spivey PH-DH 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Danny Wardell 1B 2 0 0 0 1 2 8 0
Ryne Malone PH-1B-LF 1 0 0 0 0 1 2 0
Ryne Jernigan SS 2 2 1 1 2 0 0 2
Nick Francis SS 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 3
Ruairi O'Connor RF-CF 5 1 3 5 0 0 1 0
Charles Cleveland 3B 3 0 2 2 1 1 1 4
Bryan Henry 3B 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Tony Thomas 2B 3 1 1 0 0 0 2 1
Brandon Manasa PH-2B 2 0 0 0 0 1 1 2
Michael Hyde P 1 1
Ryan Strauss P 0 1
========================
FSU 36 12 13 11 9 7 27 15
Opp 32 2 9 2 3 6 24 6
E - Opp-2, FSU-Ryne Jernigan (10)
2B - FSU-Brant Peacher (8), Ruairi O'Connor 2 (4)
HBP - Opp-1, FSU-Nick Francis (2)
SH - Opp-2, FSU-Danny Wardell (1)
SB - FSU-Danny Wardell (3)
CS - Opp-1
NAME IP H R ER BB SO
============================== ==== == == == == ==
Michael Hyde W (5-2) 6.0 8 2 2 0 6
Ryan Strauss Sv(2) 3.0 1 0 0 3 0
===================
FSU 9.0 9 2 2 3 6
Opp L 8.0 13 12 10 9 7
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia Tech | ||||||||||||
| Florida State |
TALLAHASSEE, FL - For the 10th straight year Florida State opened the home portion of its ACC schedule with a sweep as No. 13 FSU downed Virginia Tech 8-1 Sunday. Florida State batters doubled, tripled and homered as the Seminoles recorded 13 hits and seven RBIs. Mark Sauls (3-0) pitched six innings and allowed just one run in the victory. Shane Robinson easily extended his hitting streak to 33 games as he went 3-for-4 with his second home run of the year. Jack Rye also had a big day going 3-for-3 with two RBIs. The win moves FSU to 24-4 and 3-0 in the ACC while Tech falls to 6-8 and 1-6 in conference.
"We had some very good things go our way today," said FSU head coach Mike Martin. "Certainly Shane had a big day for us. I am very pleased with the approach to the game our young men are taking. We have a long way to and some tough teams left to play. We just have to get better each time out."
With his fifth straight first inning hit, Robinson tied Marshall McDougall and Ryan Barthelemy for the second longest hitting streak in school history. The last player to reach 33 games was Barthelemy in 1999 and his streak came to an end in Jacksonville where the sophomore will try and tie Drew's school record Tuesday.
"Every once and a while someone will come up to me on campus and say something about the streak or tell me I had a good game," said Robinson when asked if he was getting more recognition around Tallahassee as the streak goes on. "I just say thank you and move on. I am not really thinking about it. I am just going out there and trying to get some hits so I can help this team win."
"Shane is his own kind of player," said Martin. "This young man has been a tremendous lift to our baseball team thus far but there is a lot of baseball left. What impresses me most about Shane Robinson though is that he is such a team player. I honestly believe he is more concerned about us winning than he is a hitting streak. I am very glad he is a Seminole and boy I hope he continues it."
Another outfielder that will need to continue his hot hitting for FSU to be successful is Rye. The freshman right fielder is flourishing in the clean up spot where he is hitting .462. The California native had one multi-RBI game in his first 16 starts and now has multiple RBIs in each of his last four starts. Over his last 14 games Rye has hit .523 and raised his average from .222 to .394, second-best on the team.
"I have been looking for fastballs and just hitting the right pitches," said Rye. "I haven't changed anything I am just seeing the ball a lot better. The college level is so different. Pitchers at this level pitch backwards. You expect a curve and you get a fastball. It is much harder but I am starting to adjust. Every time I am up there I guess what pitch is coming and right now I am right most of the time."
Florida State didn't just benefit from good hitting Sunday and all series long. The Seminole staff allowed just four runs all weekend for a 1.33 ERA and held Hokie batters to an average of just .229. Sauls completed the sweep Sunday as he allowed just three hits and one run in an outing that saw his pitch count stay below 70.
"I felt good and I am thankful I was able to come out here and pitch like I did," said Sauls. "Coming off the injury I just kept battling out there and hopefully my velocity will come back as I get healthier."
"Sauls threw well today," said Martin. "His change-up got a lot better. The ball is starting to show a lot of life. Sometimes he will throw a ball in the low 90's and then next it will be in the low 70's. That has a way of affecting hitters. I thought he threw the ball very well today. You can see he is coming back from the arm problems he had six to eight weeks ago."
Just as he did in the first two games of the series, Robinson extended his hit streak with a knock in the first inning. Robinson got into scoring position on a wild pitch and Aaron Cheesman drove him home on a single to right that was misplayed allowing the catcher to get all the way to third. A Rye single then brought Cheesman home as FSU's new clean-up hitter recorded another RBI jumping his total to 16 on the year at that point.
The Seminoles went back to work versus Hokie starter Jake Chaney (2-1) in the third. Robinson recorded an infield single and Gibbs Chapman followed with a double off the base of the wall in left field. Cheesman got plunked to load the bases and Rye came up and drove in another run with a single to right. With his third hit in five chances, the freshman is now hitting .600 with the bases loaded.
Sauls didn't allow his first hit until 4 1/3 in and then gave up back-to-back hits, a single and a double. With runners on second and third and one away a sac fly broke the shutout but also got Sauls one out closer to getting out of the fifth. A grounder to third ended the inning with FSU still in front 3-1.
Two walks and a single loaded the bases for FSU in the fifth off Randy Buffington who replaced Chaney in the fourth. That brought Ryne Malone up with the bases loaded for the second time. In his first at bat he sent a deep shot into the left center that held up long enough for the Tech outfield to run down. Before the first baseman could get the bat on the ball, Buffington uncorked a wild pitch scoring FSU's fourth run and moving everyone up a base. Malone smashed a grounder to second and Tech came home with the throw but they were unable to tag Rye who slid to the back of the plate. With FSU in front 5-1 and runners on the corners, Buffington was replaced by Bobby West. Jernigan greeted him with a deep fly out to the warning track in left that was good enough to score another run as the lead ballooned to 6-1.
A leadoff single and a walk, surrounding Saul's first strike out of the game, put the Hokies in business in the top of the sixth. FSU got the second out of the inning at second leaving runners on the corners and two away. Sauls then closed the inning with a grounder back to the mound as he finished the top of the sixth, a new season high for innings pitched for the junior.
Robinson continued to hurt Tech, and every other opponent he has faced, as he recorded another hit in the sixth. After Tony Thomas, Jr. drew a leadoff walk, Robinson sent the second pitch he saw over the wall in left. It was his second home run of the season which set a new personal best for the sophomore who went deep once in 2004. New pitcher Adam Redd walked the batter he inherited and then gave up a single to Cheesman.
The Seminoles play their first of four games with Jacksonville Tuesday night in Jacksonville. The game was originally scheduled for 6:00 p.m. at JU but will now be played at 7:00 at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville, the site of the 2005 ACC Baseball Tournament. Junior left-hander Hunter Jones (3-0, 3.65) is scheduled to start for the Seminoles. Game Tracker will be available for the contest along with Steve Melewski's live radio broadcast available on WFLA locally and on the Internet at seminoles.com.
NAME POSITION AB R H RBI BB SO PO A
======================= ======== == == == === == == == ==
Shane Robinson CF 4 3 3 2 0 0 3 0
Danny Wardell 1B 1 0 0 0 0 1 5 0
Gibbs Chapman LF 2 0 1 0 2 1 0 0
Brandon Manasa LF 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0
Aaron Cheesman C 3 2 2 1 0 0 1 1
Danny Diaz C 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 2
Jack Rye RF 3 1 3 2 0 0 1 0
Ruairi O'Connor PH-RF 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 1
Brant Peacher DH 2 1 0 0 1 1 0 0
Josh Spivey PH 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Bryan Henry P-3B 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0
Ryne Malone 1B-CF 4 0 1 1 1 0 11 0
Ryne Jernigan SS 1 0 0 1 1 1 0 2
Nick Francis PH-SS 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 1
Charles Cleveland 3B 4 0 0 0 0 2 0 3
Kevin Lynch P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
Tyler Chambliss P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Tony Thomas 2B 3 1 1 0 1 0 4 2
Mark Sauls P 0 4
========================
FSU 34 8 13 7 6 7 27 17
Opp 30 1 6 1 2 2 24 6
E - Opp-1
2B - Opp-1, FSU-Gibbs Chapman (7), Danny Diaz (2)
3B - FSU-Tony Thomas (3)
HR - FSU-Shane Robinson (2)
HBP - FSU-Aaron Cheesman (3), Nick Francis (3)
SF - Opp-1, FSU-Ryne Jernigan (2)
CS - Opp-1
NAME IP H R ER BB SO
============================== ==== == == == == ==
Mark Sauls W (3-0) 6.0 3 1 1 2 1
Bryan Henry 1.0 0 0 0 0 1
Kevin Lynch 1.0 1 0 0 0 0
Tyler Chambliss 1.0 2 0 0 0 0
===================
FSU 9.0 6 1 1 2 2
Opp L 8.0 13 8 7 6 7
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia Tech | ||||||||||||
| Florida State |
JACKSONVILLE, FL - On a night where FSU picked up just its second shutout of the year and 12th home run of the season, nobody could steal the spotlight from Florida State center fielder Shane Robinson. The All-American candidate singled in the third inning as he raised his hitting streak to 34 games, which tied the school record set by J.D. Drew in 1997. The sophomore's hit streak was the highlight of a game that saw Hunter Jones (4-0) pick up his second shutout of the season as FSU downed Jacksonville 9-0. The win boosted FSU's record to 25-4 as the Dolphins dropped to 13-12 on the season.
"In the games versus Virginia Tech I got a hit in the first inning," said Robinson. "When I didn't get a hit in my first at bat today it popped into my head. When I got the hit I stopped at first, took a deep breath and a sigh of relief. It is an honor to be tied with J.D. (Drew) and I hope it keeps going so I can extend this and make the record longer.
"It is amazing the streak has gotten so far and to have all the fans behind me. To see them stand up and give me an ovation after the hit is exciting."
Robinson not only tied FSU history but had to overcome some history along the way. The last FSU player to carry a 33-game hit streak was Ryan Barthelemy in 2002 and that streak came to an end in Jacksonville versus the Dolphins.
"I know that was on his mind tonight and he can't tell me it wasn't," said Martin. "You could tell by his demeanor before the game he wanted that record. He wasn't his old self before the game today."
Overshadowed by Robinson's hit streak was a strong outing by Jones in which he led FSU to just its second shutout of the season. Both Seminole shutouts in 2005 have come in a Jones start. The junior pitched six scoreless innings and did not issue a walk for the fourth time this season. He struck out three batters and gave up six hits.
"I thought Hunter looked a lot better, I was very proud of him," said FSU head coach Mike Martin. "He worked quick, he speeded everything up. Jamey (Shouppe) has done a good job of re-tooling him. Hunter is capable of throwing harder than he did tonight but this is how we need to get him throwing every outing."
"Hunter came out and pitched his game tonight," said Robinson. "He did his job and we did our job in the field. It starts with the pitching and the hitting comes after that."
It didn't take long for the Dolphins to mount their first and only threat of the game against starter Jones. After a 410-foot fly out that Robinson tracked down to start the bottom of the second, JU put together three straight singles to load the bases. Ryne Jernigan got the second out on a long run to shallow left field where he corralled a pop that looked like it might fall in. Jones then got out of the jam on a dangerous infield hit off the end of the bat down to first base but Ryne Malone was able to handle the tough bounce and toss it to Jones for the final out. After the bases loaded jam, Jones never looked back and really didn't get into another jam the rest of the way.
Tony Thomas, Jr. led off the third with a single through the left side and that brought Robinson up in his search of equaling FSU history. The sophomore chopped the first pitch he saw over the head of JU's third baseman for his 34th straight game with a hit.
"Shane is a great story and we are very happy for him," said Martin. "He is an igniter for us and when he got that base hit the team was relieved because everyone is pulling for him to get the record."
A balk moved both runners into scoring position with one out in the inning. After JU starter Kyle DeVries (4-2) intentionally walked Cheesman to load the bases, Brant Peacher got plunked driving in the game's first run. Ruairi O'Connor then drove in FSU's second run on a ground out to third. The inning ended with Cheesman trying to score on a wild pitch but getting thrown out at the plate.
The Seminoles extended their lead in the fifth. Thomas got on base for the second time in the game, this time via a walk, and Gibbs Chapman followed with a one out hit to put runners on first and second. Cheesman then drove Thomas home and chased DeVries from the game bringing in Matt Davis. Davis got out of the jam but not before FSU was up 3-0.
The led grew to 4-0 in the fifth thanks to another JU walk. After Malone drew the free pass, he proceeded to get into scoring position by swiping his fourth base of the season. Ryne Jernigan then knocked the first baseman in with a two-out RBI single through the left side of the infield.
Thomas drew another walk as he reached base for the third straight time in the game. Robinson followed with a double down the left field line, his 14th of the season. Chapman then reached on a wild pitch after striking out allowing Thomas to come home from third as FSU moved in front 5-0. Cheesman followed with another RBI single, his second of the game, putting FSU up 6-0.
Free bases continued to plague the Dolphins in the eighth. A walk to pinch hitter Josh Spivey, JU's seventh of the night, was followed by Thomas getting hit by a pitch. That brought up Danny Wardell who homered for the second time this season blowing the game open as FSU went in front 9-0. The shot over the wall in left field was the 13th of Wardell's career.
Florida State returns to ACC play this Friday at Duke (8-17, 0-6). The game time has been moved up from 7:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Game Tracker will still be available for the contest along with Steve Melewski's live radio broadcast available on WFLA locally and on the Internet at seminoles.com. Barret Browning (2-0, 1.54) is slated to open the series for FSU. He will face off against Greg Burke (4-3, 5.87).
NAME POSITION AB R H RBI BB SO PO A
======================= ======== == == == === == == == ==
Shane Robinson CF 5 2 2 0 0 0 3 0
Charles Cleveland 3B 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Gibbs Chapman LF 4 0 1 0 0 2 0 0
Danny Wardell PR-1B 1 1 1 3 0 0 0 0
Aaron Cheesman C 2 0 2 2 2 0 5 1
Danny Diaz PH-C 1 0 1 0 0 0 3 0
Brant Peacher DH 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0
Jack Rye PH 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Nick Francis PH-DH 2 0 0 0 0 2 0 0
Ruairi O'Connor RF 4 0 0 1 0 2 0 0
Brandon Manasa RF-CF 1 0 0 0 0 1 2 0
Ryne Malone 1B-LF 4 1 0 0 1 0 4 1
Bryan Henry 3B 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 0
Josh Spivey PH 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0
Dennis Guinn 1B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Ryne Jernigan SS 4 0 1 1 0 0 4 3
Tony Thomas 2B 1 4 1 0 2 0 5 4
Hunter Jones P 1 0
Ryan Strauss P 0 0
Kevin Lynch P 0 0
Tyler Chambliss P 0 0
========================
FSU 34 9 9 8 6 8 27 9
Opp 31 0 7 0 1 8 27 12
E - FSU-Danny Diaz (1)
2B - FSU-Shane Robinson (14)
HR - FSU-Danny Wardell (2)
HBP - Opp-1, FSU-Brant Peacher (4), Bryan Henry (4), Tony Thomas (4)
SB - Opp-1, FSU-Ryne Malone (4)
CS - Opp-1, FSU-Aaron Cheesman (1)
NAME IP H R ER BB SO
============================== ==== == == == == ==
Hunter Jones W (4-0) 6.0 6 0 0 0 3
Ryan Strauss 1.0 1 0 0 0 2
Kevin Lynch 1.0 0 0 0 0 1
Tyler Chambliss 1.0 0 0 0 1 2
===================
FSU 9.0 7 0 0 1 8
Opp L 9.0 9 9 9 6 8
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida State | ||||||||||||
| Jacksonville |
DURHAM, NC - It wasn't the prettiest hit but Shane Robinson's third-inning infield single was historic. The sophomore sent a slow roller down to short and then beat out the throw to first to set a new FSU hitting streak record. Robinson has now hit safely in 35 consecutive games eclipsing the school record set in 1997 by J.D. Drew. It was the only hit for Robinson on the day in FSU's 5-3 victory over the Blue Devils.
"I came out and felt a little nervous and that is the first time that has happened throughout this whole thing," said Robinson. "This is a tremendous weight off my back and I was just happy there were some FSU fans up here to share it with me. It felt good to get the one hit but I wish I could have gotten more today. The worst was today when I hit that first ball really well and the defense made a good play on it. It kind of hit me then what I was going after."
"It is an honor to be recognized in the same category as J.D. Drew, Ryan Barthelemy and Marshall McDougall. It is mind boggling just to think about it. I don't know how the other guys did it. J.D. with getting walked so many times and Bart should have been at 34 if it weren't for some questionable calls. It is such an honor to be recognized with a group of such great players."
Robinson's historic hit wasn't the only excitement in Florida State's fourth straight ACC win. Gibbs Chapman hit a two-run homer in the top of the ninth to break a 3-3 tie and Tyler Chambliss picked up his seventh save of the season. Matt DiBlasi (1-0) faced just one batter in picking up the first win of his career. The victory was FSU's 13th straight over Duke and improved the Seminoles to 26-4 on the season and 4-0 in the ACC. Duke falls to 8-18 and 0-7 in conference play.
"It was a great feeling. What a neat way to win a game," said Chapman. "I was fortunate enough to get the home run but this whole team fought the whole game and that is why we got the win today."
After FSU stranded two base runners in the top of the first, Duke put a couple runners on base in the bottom of the inning due to a single and a hit by pitch. Cody Wheeler then singled through the right side knocking in the first run of the game.
The Blue Devils looked to extend the lead in the second as they put two runners in scoring position with just one away against FSU starter Barret Browning. A sac fly accounted for the second out of the inning and the second run of the game. A strikeout looking ended the frame but not before the Blue Devils doubled their lead to 2-0.
Just like he did versus Jacksonville, Robinson extended his streak in the third inning. It was the third time he recorded his first hit in the third inning during the streak. Chapman followed with a bunt single to put runners on the corners before swiping second to put both runners in scoring position. A walk loaded the bases and a fielder's choice with a putout at home left the bases juiced but with an out in the frame. Ryne Malone then came up with one of his best at bats of the season. After falling behind 0-2, Malone worked the count to 3-2, fouled off pitch after pitch and then came through with a two RBI single into right tying the game. Brant Peacher followed putting FSU in the lead for the first time in the game with a sac fly.
Duke went right back to work as they continued to record hits off Browning, who gave up a career high nine hits on the day. Back-to-back singles to lead off the inning combined with a sac bunt put two runners in scoring position. Another single, Duke's seventh hit of the game, scored a run to tie the game at 3-3. The Blue Devils could not break the tie though as an inning ending double play retired the side.
Duke recorded two more hits in the fourth as the Blue Devils touched Browning for nine hits, the most the junior has allowed all season. A ground out moved the runners into scoring position with two outs and then Browning's second walk loaded the bases but as he has done 10 times in the past, the junior didn't allow a hit striking out Duke DH Wheeler to retire the side.
After four scoreless innings, the Seminoles threatened new Duke pitcher and Tallahassee native Tony Bajoczyk (0-1) when Malone recorded his second hit of the game and moved to third as he swiped second and took an extra base on a passed ball. After a conference among the umpires, Malone was sent back to second as the ball wound up in the Duke dugout. The ruling turned out to be critical as a deep fly ball to the warning track, which would have scored Malone from third and broken the tie, was just another out as FSU was unable to move Malone off of second base.
It was the Blue Devils turn to try and break the tie in the bottom of the eighth and they put runners on first and second with two away against Kevin Lynch. That brought DiBlasi into the game for FSU to try and get out of the jam. The left-hander struck out the only batter he faced to end the eighth.
Tony Thomas, Jr. started the top of the ninth with a lead-off double to the corner in right field. Robinson then sacrificed the potential winning run over to third. Chapman followed with the biggest hit of the game as he dropped the ball over the right field fence just over where 330 is painted on the fence. It was Chapman's team-leading fourth homer of year and he also leads the squad with 29 RBIs.
"I got a fastball in on the home run," said Chapman. "After getting jammed on a fastball earlier in the game, I kept telling myself all game that I wasn't going to be late because I thought they were going to throw me in and fortunately I was ready."
Florida State continues its series with Duke Saturday at noon. The teams will play a doubleheader with the threat of rain Sunday. Game Tracker will still be available for the contests along with Steve Melewski's live radio broadcast available on WFLA locally and on the Internet at seminoles.com. The expected pitching match-ups are Michael Hyde (5-2, 3.64) versus David Torcise (1-4, 6.25) and Mark Sauls (3-0, 0.77) versus Danny Otero (3-4, 3.95).
NAME POSITION AB R H RBI BB SO PO A
======================= ======== == == == === == == == ==
Shane Robinson CF 4 0 1 0 0 0 2 0
Gibbs Chapman LF 4 2 2 2 0 0 1 0
Aaron Cheesman C 4 1 1 0 1 0 13 1
Jack Rye RF 2 1 0 0 2 1 2 0
Brandon Manasa RF 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0
Ryne Malone 1B 4 0 2 2 0 1 6 0
Brant Peacher DH 3 0 2 1 0 0 0 0
Ryne Jernigan SS 4 0 0 0 0 0 1 2
Bryan Henry 3B 3 0 0 0 1 2 0 4
Tony Thomas 2B 4 1 1 0 0 1 2 1
Barret Browning P 0 0
Kevin Lynch P 0 0
Matt DiBlasi P 0 0
Tyler Chambliss P 0 0
========================
FSU 32 5 9 5 5 5 27 8
Opp 32 3 10 3 4 13 27 8
E - Opp-1
2B - Opp-1, FSU-Brant Peacher (9), Tony Thomas (5)
HR - FSU-Gibbs Chapman (4)
HBP - Opp-1, FSU-Gibbs Chapman (4)
SH - Opp-2, FSU-Shane Robinson (3)
SF - Opp-1, FSU-Brant Peacher (1)
SB - FSU-Shane Robinson (26), Gibbs Chapman (15), Ryne Malone (5), Bryan Henry (2)
CS - Opp-1, FSU-Brandon Manasa (1)
NAME IP H R ER BB SO
============================== ==== == == == == ==
Barret Browning 6.0 9 3 3 2 6
Kevin Lynch 1.2 1 0 0 1 3
Matt DiBlasi W (1-0) 0.1 0 0 0 0 1
Tyler Chambliss Sv(7) 1.0 0 0 0 1 3
===================
FSU 9.0 10 3 3 4 13
Opp L 9.0 9 5 5 5 5
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida State | ||||||||||||
| Duke |
DURHAM, NC - The streak is at 36. For the 14th time during "the streak" Shane Robinson ended the suspense early as he opened the first game of the Saturday's doubleheader with Duke by lining a double down the right field line. It was the 10th time during the streak Robinson's first hit was a two-bagger and it set the stage for the Seminoles' (27-4, 5-0) decisive 11-4 victory. Florida State put up its first three home run game of the season as Jack Rye, Brant Peacher and Ryne Jernigan all went yard upping the team's HR total to 16. The win was FSU's 14th straight versus the Blue Devils (8-19, 0-8) and clinched the ACC series victory for Florida State.
Brant Peacher had a huge day for FSU going 4-for-4 with a home run, three RBIs and two runs scored. He tied single game career highs for runs scored, hits and homers. Aaron Cheesman had a three-RBI day as well going 2-for-5. Michael Hyde (6-2) picked up the win going 5 2/3 allowing four runs, all earned, and five hits. He struck out four and issued three walks.
Robinson's double in the first paid off as he moved up to third on a wild pitch. Cheesman then singled to short driving Robinson home. Cheesman, who ended up on second due to an errant throw on his infield single, moved over another base on a Jack Rye ground out but FSU couldn't plate the second run of the inning.
Hyde got into trouble in the third with FSU leading 1-0. After issuing a lead off walk for the second straight inning, an infield single put two runners aboard. Hyde got the second out on a fly to right but he couldn't get out of the inning unscathed as DH Cody Wheeler went yard. The three-run shot over the left field wall was the first of the freshman's collegiate career.
The Seminoles answered with a two-out rally in the top of the fourth. Two singles, sandwiched around a hit by pitch, loaded the bases for Bryan Henry. The sophomore tied the game as he sent a single through the right side of the infield driving in two runs. Robinson then drove an RBI single through the other side of the Duke infield plating his 25th RBI of the season and breaking the 3-3 tie.
Despite the cold weather, the FSU bats stayed hot in the fifth. Rye put FSU in front 5-3 when he hit the first homer of his collegiate career dropping a solo shot over the wall down the right field line. Ryne Malone looped a shot into center and then swiped second. Peacher then came through as he drove a shot into left field plating Malone with the sixth run of the game for FSU. That hit drove Duke starter Danny Otero (3-5) out of the game.
Tony Thomas, Jr. started the sixth with another FSU extra base hit as he doubled to right center. Henry sacrificed him over to third. Robinson, looking for his third hit, got plunked and swiped second as both runners moved into scoring position. Cheesman then brought them both home dropping a two-out, two-run single into center field. It was the fourth and fifth two-out RBI for the Seminoles in the game.
The Blue Devils tried to mount a comeback in the bottom of the sixth. Hyde put the leadoff runner on for the third time when he hit Brett Bartles. A single and a throw to third put two runners on scoring position with just one away. Hyde got the second out before uncorking a wild pitch allowing the runners to move up while cutting the FSU lead to 8-4. A two-out walk put runners on the corners and brought Matt DiBlasi into the game for the Seminoles. Just like he did Friday, the junior closed the inning and ended the threat with a K.
Florida State went right back to work in the top of the seventh. Malone drew a walk to lead things off and then Peacher came up looking to continue his career day. The sophomore did just that when he hit his first home run of the year. The shot over the left field fence boosted the FSU lead to 10-4.
Jernigan then put an exclamation point on the win with a solo homer, the second of his FSU career, in the top of the ninth.
Florida State will complete its series with Duke this afternoon. Game Tracker will be available for the contest along with Steve Melewski's live radio broadcast available on WFLA locally and on the Internet at seminoles.com. The expected pitching match-up are Mark Sauls (3-0, 0.77) versus David Torcise (1-4, 6.25).
NAME POSITION AB R H RBI BB SO PO A
======================= ======== == == == === == == == ==
Shane Robinson CF 4 2 2 1 0 0 3 0
Gibbs Chapman LF 4 0 0 0 0 2 1 0
Josh Spivey PH 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0
Danny Wardell 1B 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0
Aaron Cheesman C 5 0 2 3 0 1 6 0
Danny Diaz C 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0
Jack Rye RF 4 1 1 1 0 0 1 0
Ruairi O'Connor RF 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Ryne Malone 1B-LF 4 2 1 0 1 1 8 0
Brant Peacher DH 4 2 4 3 0 0 0 0
Charles Cleveland 3B 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 2
Ryne Jernigan SS 3 2 1 1 0 0 1 4
Tony Thomas 2B 3 2 2 0 1 0 1 2
Brandon Manasa 2B 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 1
Bryan Henry 3B-P 3 0 1 2 0 0 0 0
Trent Jarvis P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Dennis Guinn PH 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Brian Chambers P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Michael Hyde P 0 0
Matt DiBlasi P 0 0
========================
FSU 38 11 14 11 3 5 27 9
Opp 34 4 7 3 3 8 27 13
E - Opp-1, FSU-Ryne Jernigan (11)
2B - Opp-2, FSU-Shane Robinson (15), Tony Thomas (6)
HR - Opp-1, FSU-Jack Rye (1), Brant Peacher (1), Ryne Jernigan (2)
HBP - Opp-1, FSU-Shane Robinson (5), Ryne Jernigan (2)
SH - FSU-Ryne Jernigan (4), Bryan Henry (5)
SB - FSU-Shane Robinson (27), Ryne Malone (6)
CS - FSU-Ryne Jernigan (2)
NAME IP H R ER BB SO
============================== ==== == == == == ==
Michael Hyde W (6-2) 5.2 5 4 4 3 4
Matt DiBlasi 0.1 0 0 0 0 1
Bryan Henry 1.0 1 0 0 0 1
Trent Jarvis 1.0 1 0 0 0 1
Brian Chambers 1.0 0 0 0 0 1
===================
FSU 9.0 7 4 4 3 8
Opp L 9.0 14 11 11 3 5
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida State | ||||||||||||
| Duke |
DURHAM, NC - The eighth-ranked FSU baseball team fought back after falling behind 5-0 in the first inning of the series finale with Duke but they could not pull out the win. Duke scored three runs in the final three innings after FSU had tied the game at 5-5 and held on to an 8-7 victory. The win snapped FSU's 14-game winning streak versus the Blue Devils (9-19, 1-8) and sent Florida State (27-5, 5-1) to their first conference loss of the season while Duke pulled out its first ACC victory. Shane Robinson upped his record-setting hitting streak to 37 games with an RBI single.
Bryan Henry was the hard luck loser for FSU. The sophomore came in to relive starter Mark Sauls who got off to a rough start in the bottom of the first. Two errors, two walks, two balks and some poor decisions put FSU behind 2-0 before the Blue Devils even recorded a hit. The first hit of the game came just moments later and put Duke up 3-0 chasing Sauls from the game after just 1/3 of an inning. Things got worse as Henry made his second relief appearance of the day. The sophomore gave up his first runs of the year in the form of a two-run homer to right.
After that hit Henry (1-1) settled down a pitched brilliantly. He went 5 2/3 innings and gave up just one more run along the way. He struck out six batters and did not issue a walk keeping Duke at bay while the Seminole offense came back to tie the game at 5-5 in the top of the sixth. Blue Devil reliever Jonathan Anderson (1-0) picked up the win with one inning of scoreless relief and Tallahassee native Tony Bajoczyk picked up the save, his third of the year.
With FSU trailing 5-0 after one, the Garnet & Gold was quiet up until the fifth when Duke starter David Torcise walked the first two hitters if the inning. Robinson then blooped a single into shallow right plating FSU's first run of the game. It was the first time in 37 games that Robinson extended his hitting streak with a fifth inning hit. A sac bunt moved both runners into scoring position as FSU looked to get back into the game. Just as he did in the first game, Brant Peacher came up big again as he sent a shot through the left side scoring two more runs and cutting the lead to 5-3. It gave Peacher five RBIs in the doubleheader.
Robinson came up again in the sixth with runners on first and second and two away. Before he could face Torcise, the pitcher was pulled in favor Anderson. The left-hander walked Robinson to load the bases. Gibbs Chapman, who went hitless in his first six at bats of the twin bill, came up with a huge two-out base hit scoring two runs and tying the game 5-5.
Just as FSU tied the game, Duke came right back. Back-to-back singles to lead off the bottom of the sixth put runners on the corners against Henry but he got the first out of the inning on a foul out to third. The Seminoles were inches away from getting out of the inning unscathed as they nearly turned an inning ending double play but the throw to first was just a little low allowing the runner to beat it out and Duke to go back in front 6-5. It was the first run allowed by FSU and Henry since the first inning.
Duke looked for some insurance in the bottom half of the seventh versus new pitcher Kevin Lynch. The senior got the first two outs but gave up back-to-back singles to put runners on second and third. Lynch, who tied Zach Davis with his 111th relief appearance, got out of the inning on a ground ball to second.
Duke led off the bottom of the eighth with two more hits to put runners on first and second as they looked to pad their one-run lead for the second straight inning. A ground out moved the runners into scoring position as Tyler Chambliss entered the game. The sophomore was cruising along as FSU was close to getting out of danger but he uncorked a wild pitch that ran all the way to the backstop allowing both runs to score making it an 8-5 lead. The runs were the first inherited runs Chambliss allowed all year and it ended Lynch's 22 2/3 inning streak of not allowing an earned run.
Peacher kept FSU's hopes alive with a one-out single in the top of the ninth and then the tying run came to the plate after Wardell was walked on five pitches. That brought Tallahassee native Tony Bajoczyk into the game to try and pick up his third save of the year. Jack Rye came in to pinch hit for O'Connor and laced an RBI double down the left field line. It cut the lead to 8-6 and moved the tying run into scoring position. Josh Spivey then grounded out scoring the run from third. The infield grounder cut the lead to 8-7 but that was as close as FSU could get.
Florida State will return home for a huge week of games. The Seminoles welcome No. 11 Florida in for a mid-week game Wednesday and then resume ACC play with Clemson over the weekend. Saturday Mike Martin Field at Dick Howser Stadium will be dedicated. A ceremony in the legendary coach's honor will begin at 6:45 p.m. Game Tracker will be available for all the contest along with Steve Melewski's live radio broadcast available on WFLA locally and on the Internet at seminoles.com.
NAME POSITION AB R H RBI BB SO PO A
======================= ======== == == == === == == == ==
Shane Robinson CF 4 1 1 1 1 0 1 0
Gibbs Chapman LF 3 0 1 2 1 1 0 0
Brant Peacher DH 5 1 2 2 0 0 0 0
Danny Wardell 1B 3 1 1 0 2 0 10 0
Ruairi O'Connor RF 4 0 1 0 0 0 2 0
Jack Rye PH 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 0
Ryne Jernigan SS 5 0 1 1 0 2 1 2
Danny Diaz C 2 0 0 0 0 0 3 0
Aaron Cheesman C 3 1 1 0 0 0 4 1
Tony Thomas 2B 2 1 0 0 2 0 2 3
Charles Cleveland 3B 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0
Ryne Malone PH-3B 1 2 1 0 2 0 1 0
Mark Sauls P 0 0
Bryan Henry P 0 1
Kevin Lynch P 0 0
Tyler Chambliss P 0 1
========================
FSU 34 7 10 7 8 4 24 8
Opp 35 8 10 5 2 8 27 13
E - FSU-Mark Sauls (1), Tony Thomas (6)
2B - FSU-Jack Rye (7)
HR - Opp-1
SH - FSU-Gibbs Chapman (3)
CS - FSU-Ryne Malone (3)
NAME IP H R ER BB SO
============================== ==== == == == == ==
Mark Sauls 0.1 1 4 4 2 0
Bryan Henry L (1-1) 5.2 4 2 2 0 6
Kevin Lynch 1.1 4 2 2 0 1
Tyler Chambliss 0.2 1 0 0 0 1
===================
FSU 8.0 10 8 8 2 8
Opp W-Sv 9.0 10 7 7 8 4
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida State | ||||||||||||
| Duke |
TALLAHASSEE, FL - For the first time since February 18, 2001 the Florida Gators came into Dick Howser stadium and left victorious. Seventh-ranked Florida (20-7) got strong pitching from Stephen Locke (4-0) and used a four-run outburst in the second inning to get by the home-standing Seminoles (27-6) 9-2. The sixth-ranked Seminoles stranded 12 runners compared to five for the Gators. It was the first road win for either team in the last seven meetings as FSU starter Hunter Jones (4-1) suffered his first loss of the season.
"Give credit to Florida they are a very good club. There is just no two ways about it," said FSU head coach Mike Martin. "I can see how they won series versus South Carolina and Miami. That is a solid ball club. They got outstanding pitching tonight. Their catcher is exceptional. They have experience on the field. They just have a very good looking baseball team."
The bright spot of the night for Florida State was the continued dominance of outfielder Shane Robinson. The sophomore extended his hitting streak to 38 games as he went 3-for-5 on the night with his 17th double of the season. This season Robinson has recorded 12 one-hit games, 10 two-hit games and 11 three-hit games.
"It felt great to get the hit and have the home crowd stand up and cheer for me but I am disappointed with the game and not getting the win," said Robinson. "Coming into tonight I thought we needed to score early and get up on them but they came out and did just that. They scored four runs and got us back on our heels. We couldn't capitalize when we had runners on and they did."
After giving up a single to the first batter of the game, Jones got out of the inning on a sac and back-to-back strikeouts. The second inning didn't start much better with a walk and then a double putting two runners in scoring position with nobody out. Stephen Barton followed with a two-RBI single to put the Gators in front 2-0. A single and error loaded the bases up with just one away and UF's fourth single of the inning made it a 3-0 game before sac fly extended the lead to 4-0.
Robinson extended his hitting streak in the next inning for the fourth time during the 38 games but he was thrown out at second ending his run of 26 consecutive stolen bases.
The Seminoles threatened in the next inning though as Aaron Cheesman and Brant Peacher recorded back-to-back, one out singles to put runners on first and second. The Seminoles rally was stymied due to bad luck when Ryne Malone singled through the right side hitting Peacher as he was heading to second. The interference sent Cheesman, who scored, back to second and gave UF its second out of the inning. The Gators would go on to get out of the frame with no damage.
"It was one of those unusual things that happen in baseball," said Martin. "You don't see it happen much. We had three hits and all of a sudden you have a couple of outs with runners on first and second. It is just something you have to learn to roll through."
In the top of the fifth UF went back to work and it was the long ball that hurt FSU. Justin Tordi hit a three run homer, his second of the year, putting Florida in front 7-0.
With the Gators up 9-0 in the bottom of the sixth, FSU broke up the shutout with a two out rally. The Seminoles strung together three straight base hits to load the bases and a balk by new pitcher Connor Falkenbach made it a 9-1 game.
Tony Thomas, Jr. got into scoring position in the seventh thanks to his team-leading fourth triple of the year. Robinson then drove him home with an infield single marking his 21st multi-hit game of the season but that was as close as FSU was able to get.
Florida State will resume ACC play when Clemson comes to Tallahassee over the weekend. Saturday Mike Martin Field at Dick Howser Stadium will be dedicated. A ceremony in the legendary coach's honor will begin at approximately 7:00 p.m. Game Tracker will be available for all the contest along with Steve Melewski's live radio broadcast available on WFLA locally and on the Internet at seminoles.com.
NAME POSITION AB R H RBI BB SO PO A
======================= ======== == == == === == == == ==
Shane Robinson CF 5 0 3 1 0 0 4 0
Gibbs Chapman LF 5 0 0 0 0 0 3 0
Aaron Cheesman C 5 0 2 0 0 0 6 1
Brant Peacher DH 4 1 2 0 1 0 0 0
Ryne Malone 3B-1B 5 0 2 0 0 1 2 0
Danny Wardell 1B 2 0 1 0 0 0 5 1
Jack Rye PH-RF 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0
Ryne Jernigan SS 4 0 1 0 0 1 1 2
Ruairi O'Connor RF 1 0 0 0 1 0 2 0
Bryan Henry 3B 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0
Josh Spivey PH 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Charles Cleveland 3B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Tony Thomas 2B 4 1 1 0 0 1 2 1
Hunter Jones P 1 0
Trent Jarvis P 0 0
Mark Sauls P 0 0
Brian Chambers P 0 0
Matt DiBlasi P 0 0
========================
FSU 38 2 13 1 3 4 27 5
Opp 36 9 12 9 1 6 27 8
E - FSU-Ryne Jernigan (12)
2B - Opp-1, FSU-Shane Robinson (16), Ryne Jernigan (3)
3B - FSU-Tony Thomas (4)
HR - Opp-1
HBP - Opp-1
SH - Opp-1
SF - Opp-2
CS - Opp-1, FSU-Shane Robinson (2)
NAME IP H R ER BB SO
============================== ==== == == == == ==
Hunter Jones L (4-1) 5.0 9 7 6 1 4
Trent Jarvis 0.0 3 2 1 0 0
Mark Sauls 2.0 0 0 0 0 0
Brian Chambers 1.0 0 0 0 0 1
Matt DiBlasi 1.0 0 0 0 0 1
===================
FSU 9.0 12 9 7 1 6
Opp W 9.0 13 2 2 3 4
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | ||||||||||||
| Florida State |
TALLAHASSEE, FL - The sixth-ranked FSU baseball team did everything it could Saturday night to make sure Mike Martin Field at Dick Howser Stadium was christened in the right way. Junior Barret Browning (3-0, 1-0) had the best start of his career, Shane Robinson extended his hitting streak to 39 games, Tony Thomas, Jr. recorded two RBIs and Tyler Chambliss picked up his ACC-leading eighth save as FSU (28-6, 6-1) downed ACC rival Clemson 3-1. The win, coupled with a Georgia Tech loss, vaulted FSU into first place in the ACC and gave the Seminoles their 14th win in 16 games versus the Tigers.
The win snapped Clemson's (14-10, 5-2) four-game win streak versus ranked opponents and improved FSU's advantage in the all-time series to 56-42-1. Prior to the game, a 10 minute ceremony was held unveiling the newly named Mike Martin Field. The 26-year head coach saw his name added to the Dick Howser scoreboard as the crowd of 4,163 cheered at every turn.
"It was a great night for me and my family," said FSU head coach Mike Martin after the field naming ceremony. "I will never be able to adequately express my appreciation to FSU President T.K. Wetherell and everyone who made this happen and there are a lot of people. We will enjoy this for tonight but we know we have to come out and play solid baseball tomorrow."
Browning picked up his first win since February 20 with a stellar effort. The junior left-hander went 7 2/3 innings, the longest outing by any Seminole pitcher in 2005, and allowed just three hits. The only run he allowed was unearned and he struck out eight batters while issuing just two walks.
"Coming into this ballgame I knew Clemson was going to be a tough opponent," said Browning. "They have a great team every year. I knew I was going to have to come in and have good stuff to be successful against a team that good. Fortunately I was able to hit the spots I needed to. I am very excited. It has been a while since I have gotten a win but I knew if I kept fighting I would get one eventually."
Clemson got off to a good start in the top of the first following the ceremony honoring Martin thanks to two Seminole miscues. An error and a wild pitch put the first batter of the game in scoring position. A walk followed to put two Tigers on base before Browning cut down the lead runner at third on an attempted sac bunt for the first out. Browning recorded his first K for the second out of the inning before another wild pitch moved both runners up a base and into scoring position. The junior leftie got Kris Harvey watching strike three to end the top half of the inning.
"Sometimes errors can get in your head as a pitcher," said Browning. "I saw the play that Ryne (Jernigan) made. It wasn't a mental error or anything. The ball took a difficult hop and got in on him a little bit. That is part of the ballgame. At this level you have to be able to handle some adversity. I know I have been in my fair share this season. I was very confident in my teammates and myself so I just went back and tried to throw the pitches where they were called. I was fortunate to get out of that inning and then keep it rolling."
Florida State broke through versus Clemson starter Josh Cribb (2-3, 1-2) in the bottom of the second. Thomas's double to left field scored Ryne Malone, who reached on a bunt single. Bryan Henry, who recorded two hits in the game, then singled to center field plating Thomas. Robinson followed with a single extending his streak in the second inning for the seventh time in 39 games.
The Garnet and Gold went back after Cribb in the third as they loaded the bases on back-to-back one out singles and catcher's interference. Thomas then recorded his second RBI of the game on a ground out making it 3-0.
The Tigers cut the lead to 3-1 in the fifth thanks to a passed ball moving the runner to third and then a sac fly scored the run.
FSU looked to get the run back in the bottom of the fifth as Jack Rye and Brant Peacher led off the inning with back-to-back singles but the Seminoles were unable to get the runners home off reliever Stephen Faris.
The first two FSU batters of the sixth reached again via a Henry single and a walk to Robinson. Gibbs Chapman sacrificed the runners into scoring position. Faris got the second out of the inning before a Rye walk loaded the bases but the Clemson pitcher got a K to end the threat.
Browning, who set a personal high with his first out of the seventh, gave up a one out hit and hit a batter to put runners on first and second in the top of the eighth. He recorded the second out of the inning with his eighth K and then gave way to ace reliever Kevin Lynch. The senior needed just one pitch to end the inning as a slow roller to third base retired the side.
Chambliss came in to pick up the save in the ninth. The sophomore put a couple of runners on before a pop up and a strike out ended the game.
Florida State will complete the Clemson series Sunday at 1:00 p.m. with a doubleheader. Both games will be nine innings and the first of the two will be broadcast live on Sun Sports. Game Tracker will be available for both contests along with Steve Melewski's live radio broadcast available on WFLA locally and on the Internet at seminoles.com.
NAME POSITION AB R H RBI BB SO PO A
======================= ======== == == == === == == == ==
Shane Robinson CF 4 0 1 0 1 1 4 0
Gibbs Chapman LF 3 0 0 0 1 2 2 2
Aaron Cheesman C 4 0 0 0 0 1 8 1
Jack Rye RF 3 0 2 0 1 0 2 0
Brant Peacher DH 4 1 2 0 0 2 0 0
Ryne Malone 1B 4 1 2 0 0 1 8 0
Ryne Jernigan SS 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 0
Tony Thomas 2B 4 1 1 2 0 0 1 1
Bryan Henry 3B 4 0 2 1 0 1 2 4
Barret Browning P 0 1
Kevin Lynch P 0 0
Tyler Chambliss P 0 0
========================
FSU 32 3 10 3 3 9 27 9
Opp 32 1 4 1 3 9 24 10
E - Opp-1, FSU-Ryne Jernigan (13)
2B - Opp-1, FSU-Tony Thomas (7)
HBP - Opp-1
SH - FSU-Gibbs Chapman (4), Ryne Jernigan (5)
SF - Opp-1
NAME IP H R ER BB SO
============================== ==== == == == == ==
Barret Browning W (3-0) 7.2 3 1 0 2 8
Kevin Lynch 0.1 0 0 0 0 0
Tyler Chambliss Sv(8) 1.0 1 0 0 1 1
===================
FSU 9.0 4 1 0 3 9
Opp L 8.0 10 3 2 3 9
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clemson | ||||||||||||
| Florida State |
TALLAHASSEE, FL - In one of the oddest endings the fans at Dick Howser have seen in quite a while, the sixth-ranked Seminole baseball team used a walk-off safety to down Clemson 5-4 in the first game of a twin bill. The win gave FSU the first two games in the series and it was the 15th win for Florida State in the last 17 games in the series. Tyler Chambliss (5-1, 1-0) picked up the win and David Kopp (2-3, 0-1) was the hard luck loser for the Tigers. The win improved FSU to 29-6 and 7-1 in the ACC as Clemson fell to 14-11 and 5-3. Shane Robinson once again extended his hitting streak to 40 games.
After leading the game from the third inning on, Clemson tied the game up in the top of the ninth with two away on an RBI single. Bryan Henry, who was 0-for-3 on the day, got the Seminoles started in the bottom of the ninth with a double into left field. After an intentional walk to Robinson, new Clemson pitcher Stephen Clyne got Gibbs Chapman to hit a fly to shallow center but the ball was lost in the sun and fell to the ground. The runners had to hold up allowing the center fielder to cut the lead runner down at third. While the Tigers were taking their time walking the ball back into infield Robinson swiped third setting up Aaron Cheesman's safety squeeze scoring Robinson with the game-winning run.
Florida State starter Michael Hyde got touched up in the first inning. FSU's leader in wins gave up a lead-off single and then a sacrifice moved the runner into scoring position. Hyde got out number two before allowing an RBI double to put the Tigers up 1-0.
Tiger starter Kris Harvey got into trouble himself in the bottom of the first as he walked the first two Seminole batters he faced. After a strike out, Jack Rye singled to center but Robinson got gunned down at home trying to score from second. FSU tied the game up though on Brant Peacher's single through the right side.
Harvey started the second by putting the first two batters on again this time via two hit by pitches. The Seminoles were unable to get a sac bunt down for the first out and then a double play ended the threat.
Clemson broke the tie in the third. A lead off single followed by an out and another base knock put runners on the corners. The lead runner came home on a pop fly deep down the left field line that shortstop Ryne Jernigan corralled but he couldn't throw out the runner tagging up at third.
The see-saw battle continued in the bottom of the inning as a hit batter, a single and a wild pitch put runners on the corners with nobody out for FSU. A walk loaded the bases as Harvey continued to struggle looking for the first out. The junior hurler didn't get the chance to work his way out of the jam as reliever Kopp was brought into the game. The first pitch he threw sailed past the catcher scoring the tying run and moving the runners up a base. A walk to Peacher loaded the bases again and Ryne Malone brought the lead run home on a ground out to second staking FSU to a 3-2 lead.
For the fourth time in his 40-game hitting streak, Robinson extended his streak in the fourth inning. He then swiped second to get into scoring position with one away. Gibbs Chapman then drove Robinson home with a double off the fence in right.
Clemson put its lead-off hitter on in the sixth with a lead-off double by Taylor Harbin. After the first out of the inning, a walk and a single brought Clemson within a run at 4-3. That hit ended Hyde's day bringing Matt DiBlasi into the game. The junior walked the first batter on four straight pitches to load the bases but ended the Tiger uprising on a double play retiring the side.
FSU brought on ace closer Tyler Chambliss in the top of the ninth and he gave up a leadoff single to open the inning. A sac bunt moved the tying run into scoring position. Clemson took advantage as Jesse Furgeson laced a two-out, RBI single into right driving in the tying run.
Florida State will complete the Clemson series with the second game of Sunday's doubleheader. The Seminoles return to action Wednesday night versus Jacksonville. The game will be played at Dick Howser Stadium and is slated for a 6:00 p.m. start. Game Tracker will be available for both contests along with Steve Melewski's live radio broadcast available on WFLA locally and on the Internet at seminoles.com.
NAME POSITION AB R H RBI BB SO PO A
======================= ======== == == == === == == == ==
Shane Robinson CF 3 2 2 0 2 0 0 0
Gibbs Chapman LF 3 2 1 1 1 0 0 0
Aaron Cheesman C 4 1 1 1 0 1 8 1
Jack Rye RF 3 0 1 0 1 2 0 0
Brandon Manasa RF 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Brant Peacher DH 3 0 1 1 1 1 0 0
Ryne Malone 1B 4 0 0 1 0 0 12 0
Tony Thomas 2B 3 0 1 0 0 1 1 4
Ryne Jernigan SS 3 0 0 0 0 0 4 2
Bryan Henry 3B 4 0 1 0 0 1 1 3
Danny Wardell PR 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Michael Hyde P 0 2
Matt DiBlasi P 0 1
Tyler Chambliss P 1 0
========================
FSU 30 5 8 4 5 6 27 13
Opp 31 4 8 4 3 9 25 16
E - FSU-Ryne Jernigan (14)
2B - Opp-2, FSU-Gibbs Chapman (8), Bryan Henry (8)
HBP - FSU-Gibbs Chapman (5), Tony Thomas (5), Ryne Jernigan (3)
SH - Opp-2, FSU-Aaron Cheesman (3)
SF - Opp-1
SB - FSU-Shane Robinson 2 (29), Tony Thomas (5)
CS - FSU-Tony Thomas (3)
NAME IP H R ER BB SO
============================== ==== == == == == ==
Michael Hyde 5.1 6 3 3 2 4
Matt DiBlasi 2.2 0 0 0 1 3
Tyler Chambliss W (5-1) 1.0 2 1 1 0 2
===================
FSU 9.0 8 4 4 3 9
Opp L 8.1 8 5 5 5 6
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clemson | ||||||||||||
| Florida State |
TALLAHASSEE, FL - Sunday's series finale between the sixth-ranked Seminoles and Clemson had as much drama in the ninth inning as the previous game where FSU won with a walk-off squeeze bunt. The only difference was the drama in game two had nothing to do with the score. Shane Robinson saw his FSU record 40-game hit streak come to an end in the final at bat of the game as Clemson (15-11, 6-3) avoided a series sweep by downing FSU (29-7, 7-2) 7-3 in Sunday's second game of the doubleheader.
There wasn't much drama in the game until the ninth inning. Robinson was 0-for-3 on the day and needed one base runner to reach to get a chance at tying the ACC record with his 41st consecutive game with a hit. Brandon Manasa came up with two outs and quickly fell behind 0-2. The junior scrapped out a base hit giving Robinson one more shot. The super sophomore smoked a ball to right field but Travis Storrer was there to make the out ending Robinson's run one game short of tying the record held by Rusty Adkins. It was the first time since June 4, 2004 that Robinson was held without a hit.
"The only thought going through my head when I came up in the ninth was 'if it was meant to be it was meant to be'," said Robinson. "I had a chance and I just couldn't come up with a hit. That is the way baseball is sometimes."
"The team was doing everything it possibly could to get him to the plate one more time," said FSU head coach Mike Martin. "The guy went down swinging. Shane had a good swing. He hit a line drive. We were all sad to see it end. In the 40 years I have been around Florida State baseball and whoever is around for the next 40, they will never again see another 40 game hitting streak. It is an accomplishment. It is the toughest thing to do in all of baseball. To do what Shane did is incredible."
Robinson received ovations from the stands and a long round of applause inside the locker room after the second game. He was given the ball from his 40th hit, which will eventually be displayed in the Florida State Baseball Tradition Room.
"My team all looked forward to me getting hits up there and getting things going," said Robinson. "They were so supportive throughout the whole run. For Brandon to come up and get on giving me a chance in the ninth just shows how my teammates looked out for me this whole time. I couldn't have done it without them."
The loss was just FSU's third in the last 18 games versus Clemson. Florida State sophomore Bryan Henry took the loss (1-2, 0-1). He started the game for FSU and gave up three runs in four innings. Clemson's Robert Rohrbaugh (3-1, 3-0) got the win pitching six strong innings.
"We can't be down when you win two out of three from a team as good as Clemson," said Martin. "We are disappointed because we won the first two but you have to give Clemson credit. They are a very good baseball team and they took it to us today. They got the hits when they needed them combined with outstanding pitching. This was a game they thoroughly deserved to win."
Henry, making the first ACC start of his FSU career, got off to a rocky start in the first. The first batter he faced in the game homered over the right field fence. The sophomore then gave up back-to-back singles before recording the first out on a deep fly that put the runners on the corners. The second out come as Aaron Cheesman threw out the runner trying to swipe second. It was the eighth runner the senior has gunned down of the last nine attempted swipes. Henry then froze the final batter of the inning for his first K.
Florida State answered back in the second. Ryne Malone started it off with a one out single. After recording the second out of the frame, Malone swiped second, Danny Wardell walked and Ryne Jernigan drove the run home on a single through the left side.
The long ball hurt Henry again in the fourth as Kris Harvey hit a two-out solo homer to put the Tigers back in the lead.
Clemson looked to build on its lead in the top of the fifth as back-to-back singles put runners on the corners driving Henry from the game. Hunter Jones came in to try and keep FSU within a run. The senior recorded the first two outs of the inning on a double play but the run from third did come in putting the Clemson lead at 3-1. Jones gave up two hits to the next two batters once again putting runners on the corner this time with two away. Jones hit the next batter to load the bases but a line out to Jernigan on a diving stab ended the top of the fifth.
Already up 3-1, the Tigers threatened again in the sixth as they tried to put together a two-out rally. Back-to-back singles left CU with a runner on first and third and this time Clemson took advantage. The Tigers 13th hit of the game extended the lead to 4-1. Jones walked the next batter loading the bases and bringing Brian Chambers into the game. The sophomore gave up a single through the left side bolstering the lead to 6-1 and ending his day. Trent Jarvis came in for FSU and hit the first batter he faced to load the bases once again. An infield single boosted the lead to 7-1 and kept the sacks full of Tigers. That brought bases loaded specialist Kevin Lynch into the game and as he has done in six of seven occasions, he came into a bases loaded jam and did not allow a run to score.
The Seminoles chipped away at the lead in the sixth. Brant Peacher ripped a one out single up the middle and made it to third on Malone's double to left, his third hit of the game. Tony Thomas, Jr. then grounded out driving in FSU's second run. Danny Wardell drove in the Seminoles' third run of the game on another FSU double cutting the lead to 7-3. A walk put Jernigan on first but Rohrbaugh got out of the inning on a strikeout.
The Seminoles return to action Wednesday night versus Jacksonville. The game will be played at Dick Howser Stadium and is slated for a 6:00 p.m. start. Game Tracker will be available for both contests along with Steve Melewski's live radio broadcast available on WFLA locally and on the Internet at seminoles.com.
NAME POSITION AB R H RBI BB SO PO A
======================= ======== == == == === == == == ==
Shane Robinson CF 4 0 0 0 1 1 1 0
Gibbs Chapman LF 3 0 0 0 1 1 1 0
Aaron Cheesman C 4 0 0 0 0 0 4 1
Danny Diaz C 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 1
Brant Peacher DH 4 1 1 0 0 0 0 0
Ryne Malone 3B 4 2 3 0 0 0 0 0
Tony Thomas 2B 3 0 0 1 1 2 2 4
Danny Wardell 1B 3 0 1 1 1 1 8 0
Ryne Jernigan SS 2 0 1 1 1 0 5 4
Nick Francis SS 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 1
Jack Rye PH 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Ruairi O'Connor RF 3 0 0 0 0 1 1 0
Brandon Manasa RF 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0
Bryan Henry P 0 0
Hunter Jones P 0 0
Brian Chambers P 0 0
Trent Jarvis P 0 0
Kevin Lynch P 0 0
Stephen Ochs P 0 0
Ryan Strauss P 0 0
========================
FSU 32 3 7 3 5 6 27 11
Opp 40 7 16 6 3 8 27 12
E - Opp-1, FSU-Ryne Malone (1)
2B - FSU-Ryne Malone 2 (8), Danny Wardell (3)
HR - Opp-2
HBP - Opp-2
SB - Opp-1, FSU-Ryne Malone (7)
CS - Opp-1, FSU-Gibbs Chapman (2)
NAME IP H R ER BB SO
============================== ==== == == == == ==
Bryan Henry L (1-2) 4.0 8 3 3 0 3
Hunter Jones 1.2 5 4 4 1 1
Brian Chambers 0.0 1 0 0 0 0
Trent Jarvis 0.0 1 0 0 0 0
Kevin Lynch 1.1 0 0 0 1 0
Stephen Ochs 1.0 0 0 0 1 2
Ryan Strauss 1.0 1 0 0 0 2
===================
FSU 9.0 16 7 7 3 8
Opp W-Sv 9.0 7 3 3 5 6
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clemson | ||||||||||||
| Florida State |
TALLAHASSEE, FL - The 2005 Seminole baseball team came into Wednesday night's tilt with JU having hit 16 home runs on the year for an average of less than one every two games. The team had gone four straight games without a home run but then came the fifth inning. For the first time since 2003, FSU (30-7) hit three homers in one inning as they cruised past Jacksonville 11-4. Overall, FSU set a new season-high with eight extra base hits as they also recorded five doubles in the win over JU (16-17). Mark Sauls (4-0) pitched six strong innings and picked up the win, FSU's 10th in a row over JU and the 21st in a row over the Dolphins at Dick Howser Stadium.
"I am very pleased with the way these young men are approaching the game," said FSU head coach Mike Martin. "Mike (Martin, Jr.) has been harping on better at bats and spending a lot of extra time with certain guys and you can see it start to pay off."
Thomas and Henry each hit the first home runs of their FSU careers in the fifth inning. Thomas went 3-for-3, his first three hit game as a Seminole, and he scored three runs on top of driving in two RBIs. Henry was 2-for-2 on the night and had three RBIs to boost his total to 23, fourth best on the team.
"Both Tony Thomas and Bryan Henry were very tough outs and they reached base every time they got up to the plate tonight," said Martin. "They reached base eight straight times and that is something you just don't see."
Ryne Malone had another big night as well as he went 3-for-4 with two RBIs and two runs scored. It was his second straight game with two doubles and his second straight three-hit outing. Malone has 16 hits in his last 10 games.
"You are starting to see Ryne Malone feeling good about himself," said Martin. "He is an outstanding hitter and we knew that going in. He can put us on his back and carry us."
"You start to get the feeling that once you start to hit line drives in BP again; once you start getting that carry on the ball again," said Malone. "You know when you are feeling good and it is just a matter of time."
Sauls equaled his longest outing of the year going six innings. He allowed six hits, struck out three batters, issued one walk and allowed two runs. Both JU runs came in the second and after that he allowed just three hits in the next four innings and faced just 14 batters.
"I am just thankful to get the opportunity to pitch today," said Sauls. "I am just taking it day-by-day going out and doing what I came here to do. Each time out I am just trying to throw strikes and increase my velocity. I made it through that second inning and everything just kind of cruised from there."
Sauls sailed through the top of the first but a lead-off single in the second followed by a walk and a sac put runners on second and third. A wild pitch then plated the first run of the game and the second came home on another single chopped up the middle.
For the second straight inning FSU recorded a two-out hit but in the second the Seminoles turned it into a two-out rally. Thomas started it off with a base hit and Ryne Jernigan followed with one of his own. Henry then cut the lead to 2-1 with an RBI single.
Malone started the third off with his ninth double of the season and his third in the last two games. Aaron Cheesman then got plunked putting runners on first and second before a long foul out to right moved Malone to third. Another fly out to right by Brant Peacher evened the game at 2-2 as Malone easily trotted home with FSU's second run of the game. Danny Wardell followed with another single off JU starter Andrew Laughter (0-2) and then Thomas went 2-for-2 on the day with an RBI single through the left side of the infield. The Seminoles third hit of the game drove Laughter to the bench bringing in Patrick Gleason.
Henry led off the fourth with a walk and then Malone pounded his second double of the game putting runners on second and third with one away. An intentional pass to Cheesman loaded the bases. It was the senior catcher's team-leading fifth intentional walk. The move paid off though as FSU was unable to capitalize.
Thomas continued his big day at the plate in the fifth. The freshman hit the first home run of his career, a solo shot, making it a 4-2 game. It was also the first three-hit game for FSU's starting second baseman.
"My third at bat, I knew I had two hits earlier and I didn't think I would get much to hit," said Thomas. "He threw a change-up and tried to drop it away but ended up leaving it over the plate. I swung level and luckily it carried over the fence."
Another first-year Seminole recorded his first career home run just two batters later as Henry went yard knocking Gleason out of the game. It was the first multi-HR inning for FSU in 2005 and the sixth multi-homer game for the team. Shane Robinson then reached base for the 52nd consecutive game as he hit his team-leading 17th double. The power surge continued for FSU as Malone went yard, his second round-tripper of the season, boosting the lead to 7-2. It was the first time FSU hit three homers in an inning since June 1, 2003 versus South Alabama.
Peacher recorded FSU's seventh extra base hit of the game in the sixth. That tied a season-high for the Seminoles set against VMI and St. Joes. FSU then set a new season high as Wardell doubled to the wall in left making it an 8-2 game. A walk put Thomas on base for the fourth time in the game and another free pass loaded the bases. The third consecutive walk, this one from new hurler Brett Nagy, plated another run extending the lead to 9-2. Robinson's bloop single to right plated another run and a Ruairi O'Connor sac fly finished off the four-run sixth.
Jacksonville chipped away at the lead in the seventh off reliever Brian Chambers. The Dolphins used four singles to plate two runs and cut the lead to 11-4 but that was as close as the Dolphins would get.
Florida State will resume ACC play at home this weekend as Wake Forest (7-8, 14-16) comes in for a three-game series. The first game will be Friday night and first pitch is set for 7:00 p.m. Saturday's game will start at 7:00 and FSU Tennis Head Coach Dwayne Hultquist will throw out the first pitch and his 21st ranked Seminoles will be on hand. The series finale will start at 1:00 p.m. Sunday. Game Tracker will be available for the entire series along with Steve Melewski's live radio broadcast available on WFLA locally and on the Internet at seminoles.com.
NAME POSITION AB R H RBI BB SO PO A
======================= ======== == == == === == == == ==
Shane Robinson CF 5 1 2 1 0 0 0 0
Ryne Malone LF 4 2 3 2 0 0 1 0
Ruairi O'Connor PH-C 0 0 0 1 0 0 3 0
Aaron Cheesman C 2 1 1 0 1 0 3 1
Danny Diaz PH 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Brian Chambers P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Matt DiBlasi P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Tyler Chambliss P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Jack Rye RF 5 0 0 0 0 0 3 0
Brant Peacher DH 3 1 1 1 0 0 0 0
Josh Spivey LF 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0
Danny Wardell 1B 5 1 2 1 0 2 9 2
Dennis Guinn 1B 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0
Tony Thomas 2B 3 3 3 2 1 0 1 0
Brandon Manasa 2B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Ryne Jernigan SS-2B 4 1 1 0 1 0 2 7
Nick Francis SS 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 1
Bryan Henry 3B 2 1 2 3 2 0 0 0
Charles Cleveland PR-3B 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Mark Sauls P 2 2
========================
FSU 37 11 15 11 5 3 27 13
Opp 34 4 11 3 1 6 24 5
2B - Opp-1, FSU-Shane Robinson (17), Ryne Malone 2 (10), Brant Peacher (10), Danny Wardell (4)
HR - FSU-Ryne Malone (2), Tony Thomas (1), Bryan Henry (1)
HBP - FSU-Aaron Cheesman (4)
SH - Opp-1
SF - FSU-Ruairi O'Connor (1), Brant Peacher (2)
NAME IP H R ER BB SO
============================== ==== == == == == ==
Mark Sauls W (4-0) 6.0 6 2 2 1 3
Brian Chambers 1.0 4 2 2 0 0
Matt DiBlasi 1.0 1 0 0 0 2
Tyler Chambliss 1.0 0 0 0 0 1
===================
FSU 9.0 11 4 4 1 6
Opp L 8.0 15 11 11 5 3
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville | ||||||||||||
| Florida State |
TALLAHASSEE, FL - The eighth-ranked FSU baseball team hadn't lost to Wake Forest in Tallahassee in a decade but that streak seemed to be coming to an end Friday night as the Demon Deacons sprinted out to a 5-0 lead in the second inning of the series opener. But thanks to Ryne Jernigan's fifth inning grand slam and one of the best outings of reliever Brian Chambers' career, FSU (31-7, 8-2) came back from the early hole and rallied to beat Wake (14-18, 7-9) 7-5. Jernigan's third homer, and first career slam, capped off the comeback rally as the Seminoles extended their winning streak versus the Deacons to eight games.
"The attitude in the dugout when we fell behind was never give up," said Jernigan. "Five runs in a game is nothing. It's nothing. We did it today and now we know we can do it again if we need to."
The fifth inning once again proved to be the big inning for FSU. In Wednesday night's game against Jacksonville, the Seminoles hit three homers in the fifth. Friday night they entered the inning down 5-1 before cutting the WFU lead to 5-3. Then Jernigan stepped up with two outs and sent the first pitch he saw over the fence in left to give FSU their first and only lead of the game.
"I watched Tony's (Thomas, Jr.) at bat from the on deck circle and he got three straight fast balls on the outside," said Jernigan. "He (Eric Niesen) was leaving his pitches up a little bit. I knew he was going to throw a fastball first pitch and I just jumped on it and hit it out of the ballpark."
"The grand slam was something certainly no one expected," said FSU head coach Mike Martin. "We know Ryne is capable of that and we have seen him do it. He did a good job all night long both defensively and offensively."
Chambers (1-0, 1-0) picked up his first win since a victory over Butler March 10, 2004. The sophomore, who was slated for a redshirt before an injury to Brian Schultz, came in to a 5-1 game in the fourth with runners on first and second and needed just one pitch to get out of the inning. He then cruised through the next four frames allowing just one hit while striking out four and issuing no walks. It was the longest outing of Chambers FSU career.
"We have a great hitting team and I knew we would get back in this game if I came in and held them with no more runs," said Chambers. "I knew our team could get a win out of this. It feels great. It has been awhile since I have pitched like this."
"Chambers did an outstanding job," said Martin. "He pitched very well and (pitching coach) Jamey Shouppe has done a great job with him. I am glad we took him off the redshirt list."
Seminole closer Tyler Chambliss picked up his conference leading ninth save of the year as he struck out the side in the ninth to close the door on the Demon Deacon's hopes of an upset.
Wake got off to a good start off FSU starter Barret Browning in the top of the first. A leadoff walk and a two-out base hit quickly staked the Deacons to a 1-0 lead but the junior hurler limited the damage to just the one run.
Browning started the second by hitting the first batter, putting the leadoff man on for the second straight inning. After getting the first out of the inning, the junior threw away a tailor made double play ball putting runners on first and third. Wake's next batter sent another ball right back to the mound that Browning once again threw into center field scoring the second run of the inning. Back-to-back singles put the Deacons up 4-0 with runners still on the corners and just one out. Wake added their fifth run on another misplayed DP opportunity that allowed another run to come in.
Things didn't get any better for Browning in the third as he walked and hit the first two batters he faced. A sac bunt moved both runners up a base but the FSU hurler settled down and got out of the inning without any damage.
The Seminoles cut into the lead in the bottom of the third. Ryne Jernigan led things off by getting hit by a pitch. After a strikeout by WFU starter Josh Ellis (4-3, 3-2) Shane Robinson smashed a single to third putting runners on the corners. Ryne Malone then hit a deep fly to right sacrificing the run home. Robinson then stole his 30th and 31st bases to get to third but a ground out ended the inning.
For the fourth straight inning Wake put its leadoff runner on but for the first time in the game it came on a hit. The runner was then moved to second on a sac bunt and then a Browning walk put another Demon Deacon on and brought Chambers into the game. It ended the shortest starting stint of Browning's FSU career. Chambers needed just one pitch as his first offering was hit to short where the Seminoles turned an inning ending double play.
A Brant Peacher single and Gibbs Chapman walk gave FSU some hope in the fourth but Ellis came back and got the second out before loading the bases on another free pass. The Seminoles could not capitalize though as a ground out ended the inning.
Ellis got off to a rocky start in the fifth. Robinson led off the inning with a rocket to short that was heading for the outfield before Wake shortstop Andy Goff barehanded the chopper as it popped over his back shoulder and threw the sophomore out. Ellis then hit the next batter before issuing his third walk of the night. An infield chopper by Jack Rye loaded the bases for the second straight inning. This time FSU cashed in as Brant Peacher singled through the left side cutting the lead to 5-3 with his two-RBI single. Another infield hit, this one by Chapman, loaded the bases again. That brought Eric Niesen out of the Wake bullpen to try and hold onto the Deacon lead. The reliever got the second out with a K but he couldn't get out of the jam as Jernigan sent the first pitch he saw over the wall in left for his first career grand slam and his third home run of the year.
"When Brant got the base hit everyone started cheering and it gave me chill bumps," said Jernigan. "I wanted to hear that. In my mind I told myself that I just wanted to get a hit. I just wanted to hear the crowd cheer for me one time. It felt great."
Florida State will continue ACC play against Wake Forest (14-18, 7-9) Saturday's at 7:00 p.m. and FSU Tennis Head Coach Dwayne Hultquist will throw out the first pitch with his 21st ranked Seminoles on hand. The series finale will start at 1:00 p.m. Sunday. Game Tracker will be available for the entire series along with Steve Melewski's live radio broadcast available on WFLA locally and on the Internet at seminoles.com.
NAME POSITION AB R H RBI BB SO PO A
======================= ======== == == == === == == == ==
Shane Robinson CF 5 0 1 0 0 0 3 0
Ryne Malone 1B-LF 2 1 0 1 0 0 10 0
Aaron Cheesman C 3 1 1 0 1 0 7 0
Jack Rye RF 4 1 1 0 0 0 1 0
Brandon Manasa RF 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Brant Peacher DH 4 1 2 2 0 0 0 0
Gibbs Chapman LF 2 1 1 0 1 1 1 0
Danny Wardell 1B 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
Tony Thomas 2B 4 0 0 0 0 3 3 2
Ryne Jernigan SS 2 2 1 4 1 0 0 4
Bryan Henry 3B 4 0 0 0 0 2 1 3
Barret Browning P 0 2
Brian Chambers P 0 1
Tyler Chambliss P 0 0
========================
FSU 31 7 7 7 3 6 27 12
Opp 31 5 5 5 3 7 24 7
E - Opp-1, FSU-Barret Browning 2 (3)
HR - FSU-Ryne Jernigan (3)
HBP - Opp-2, FSU-Ryne Malone (1), Ryne Jernigan (4)
SH - Opp-2
SF - FSU-Ryne Malone (7)
SB - Opp-1, FSU-Shane Robinson 2 (31)
NAME IP H R ER BB SO
============================== ==== == == == == ==
Barret Browning 3.1 4 5 1 3 0
Brian Chambers W (1-0) 4.2 1 0 0 0 4
Tyler Chambliss Sv(9) 1.0 0 0 0 0 3
===================
FSU 9.0 5 5 1 3 7
Opp L 8.0 7 7 7 3 6
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wake Forest | ||||||||||||
| Florida State |
TALLAHASSEE, FL - The eight-ranked FSU baseball team staged its second come from behind victory in as many nights with a 4-3 win over Wake Forest Saturday. Unlike Friday, it was the Seminoles (32-7, 9-2) who took an early lead only to watch Wake comeback and jump in front where they stayed for 4 1/2 innings but Ryne Malone's bases loaded walk in the eighth pushed the game winning run across the plate. Tyler Chambliss then came in and slammed the door on the Deacons (14-19, 7-10) picking up his second straight save and his ACC leading 10th save of the season.
"That was a good at bat for me. Their pitcher was throwing really hard so I have to take my hat off to him," said Malone of his crucial eighth inning walk. "I ended up getting four balls after fouling a few pitches off. I was just fortunate to be in that situation with the bases loaded."
The key for FSU once again Saturday was the work of the Seminole bullpen. Starter Michael Hyde went 5 2/3 giving up three runs before Kevin Lynch (6-0, 2-0) relieved him in the sixth. The senior allowed just two hits in 2 1/3 innings of work in picking up his sixth win of the season. It was also the 114th career appearance for Lynch, which is the third most in school history.
"Our middle relievers have pitched very well in that role and I am pleased with all those guys," said FSU head coach Mike Martin. "That whole group continually comes in and holds the other team down giving us a chance to get back in it.
"I was a little bit hesitant to get Lynch in tonight because we were behind and we still have more games to play. He is approaching the career record for appearances at Florida State and we aren't going to keep him from that. I figured if we could pitch him a couple innings tonight he might still be available tomorrow."
Chambliss was once again a huge part of FSU's success. He came in to the game in the ninth and set the Demon Deacons down in order for the second straight night. In all, he picked up his two saves by facing just six batters and striking out five of them. With his 10th save Chambliss moved just eight saves away from the FSU single season record and he is the first ACC pitcher to reach double digit saves this season.
"My goals are not only to lead the ACC but to lead the nation," said Chambliss. "I don't know where other pitchers stand but I want to be the best at my position just like all the other guys out here do."
"Chambliss enjoys the competition and he is just a baseball player," said Martin. "He never backs down from any situation. He loves the confrontation between him and the hitter. He is doing a great job and helping us be successful."
After a sluggish start Friday night, things got off to a much better beginning Saturday. Hyde cruised through the first inning and FSU got on the board in the bottom of the frame off Wake starter Charlie Mellies. Shane Robinson led off with a walk, reaching base in his 54th consecutive game, and then Malone crushed a double off the right field fence putting runners on second and third. An Aaron Cheesman sac fly scored the runner and then an error on a fly ball to right, which should have ended the inning, put FSU up 2-0.
Wake came right back and responded in the second. A hit batter and single put a couple runners on and then a double deep into the right field corner cleared the bases tying the game at 2-2. Hyde put another runner on with his first walk of the game as Wake was back in business with runners on first and second and still just one away. The Deacons' third hit of the inning broke the tie as they went up 3-2 on an RBI single.
After a shaky first, Mellies settled down and retired seven of the next eight batters before a bases empty double by Bryan Henry with one out in the fourth. Hyde was on a streak of retiring eight straight batters himself heading into the top of the fifth before issuing a one-out walk. Neither team could score the base runner though as the game remained 3-2.
The Seminoles big inning has been the fifth all year with seven of the team's 20 homers coming in that one frame. Florida State had also outscored their opponents 47-10 in that inning so when Aaron Cheesman led off the bottom of the fifth with a single up the middle, FSU fans thought the comeback was on. Mellies would have no part of it though. He got the next batter on a fly ball and then Cheesman was thrown out trying to steal before the fifth came to a close on a shallow fly ball to left.
A walk and a hit batter gave Wake Forest a couple of base runners in the top of the sixth bringing Lynch into the game with two outs. The senior did what he always does and struck out the first batter he faced to end the threat.
Danny Wardell led off the bottom of the sixth with a walk and then got into scoring position on a wild pitch but Mellies once again looked like he would stymie a Seminole rally getting the next two outs with Wardell standing on third. The Wake starter then lost Tony Thomas, Jr. to put runners on the corners bringing up Robinson. The sophomore smashed a shot to third that jumped up and hit Wake's Matt Antonelli in the shoulder scoring the tying run.
Florida State looked to take the lead in the eighth as Henry laced a single to center field. Thomas followed with a double down the line in right field putting runners on second and third with just one away and the top of the order coming to the plate. That knocked Matt Hammond (2-6) out of the game and brought Kyle Young in. He proceeded to walk Robinson on four straight pitches to load the bases. Young then plated the winning run on the walk to Malone giving FSU the 4-3 lead that it wouldn't relinquish.
Florida State will conclude its series with Wake Forest (14-19, 7-10) at 1:00 p.m. Sunday on youth baseball day at Dick Howser Stadium. All youth 13 and younger wearing their baseball jersey get into the game free. The Seminoles then hit the road all of next week playing at Jacksonville Tuesday night before heading to Atlanta for a series with No. 3 Georgia Tech. Game Tracker will be available for all FSU's 2005 games along with Steve Melewski's live radio broadcast available on WFLA locally and on the Internet at seminoles.com.
NAME POSITION AB R H RBI BB SO PO A
======================= ======== == == == === == == == ==
Shane Robinson CF 2 1 1 1 3 0 0 0
Ryne Malone LF 3 1 1 1 2 0 1 0
Aaron Cheesman C 4 0 1 1 0 0 9 0
Brant Peacher DH 4 0 0 0 0 1 0 0
Jack Rye RF 3 0 0 0 1 0 1 0
Danny Wardell 1B 2 1 0 0 0 1 13 0
Ryne Jernigan SS 3 0 0 0 1 2 1 2
Bryan Henry 3B 4 1 2 0 0 0 0 7
Tony Thomas 2B 3 0 1 0 1 1 2 5
Michael Hyde P 0 0
Kevin Lynch P 0 0
Tyler Chambliss P 0 0
========================
FSU 28 4 6 3 8 5 27 14
Opp 31 3 5 3 3 9 24 6
E - Opp-2
2B - Opp-1, FSU-Ryne Malone (11), Bryan Henry (9), Tony Thomas (8)
HBP - Opp-2, FSU-Danny Wardell 2 (3)
SF - FSU-Aaron Cheesman (5)
SB - FSU-Jack Rye (1)
CS - FSU-Aaron Cheesman (2)
NAME IP H R ER BB SO
============================== ==== == == == == ==
Michael Hyde 5.2 3 3 3 3 5
Kevin Lynch W (6-0) 2.1 2 0 0 0 2
Tyler Chambliss Sv(10) 1.0 0 0 0 0 2
===================
FSU 9.0 5 3 3 3 9
Opp L 8.0 6 4 3 8 5
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wake Forest | ||||||||||||
| Florida State |
TALLAHASSEE, FL - The eighth-ranked Seminole baseball team was forced to play from behind once again and they almost pulled off their third straight come from behind win in the series finale versus Wake Forest. Florida State (32-8, 9-3) came back from a 6-1 deficit in the bottom of the sixth as Tony Thomas, Jr. capped off the comeback with a homer in the bottom of the ninth to tie the game but a seven-run top of the 12th was too much for FSU to make-up. The Seminoles fought back to record four in the bottom of the inning but Wake Forest (15-19, 8-10) held on and avoided a series sweep with a 13-10 win. The victory was the Demon Deacons' first in Tallahassee in a decade and ended the Seminoles streak of nine straight wins in the series.
The loss was FSU's fourth Sunday loss when the team had an opportunity to sweep a series. Junior Mark Sauls (4-1, 1-1) took the defeat, his first of the year after surrendering four runs in just 1/3 of an inning of work in the 12th. Wake's Kyle Young (3-1, 1-0) pitched four innings in relief allowing five runs in picking up the win.
"Today was just a day when we made some mistakes early and it is hard to win when you make four errors," said FSU head coach Mike Martin. "Wake Forest did a good job. There is a lot of fight in their club. I was also very impressed with the fight our team showed as well. We got four runs in the bottom of the 12th and sent the tying run to the plate. It was a good finish. We just couldn't get the big hit when we needed it."
After taking a 1-0 lead, Wake scored the next six runs knocking Seminole starter Hunter Jones out of the game after just 2 2/3. Florida State cut the lead to 6-5 thanks to a four-run sixth highlighted by Ryne Jernigan's two-run double. Thomas than became the would-be hero in the bottom of the ninth when he launched a solo shot off the scoreboard in left field to make it a 6-6 game.
"With Charles (Cleveland) up in front of me, I was thinking if he gets on I will just lay down a sacrifice bunt," said Thomas of his ninth inning at bat. "I wasn't thinking home run. I was just trying to get on base, do my job and work my way around the bases but the home run came and it was a great feeling."
"When Tony hit the ball out in the ninth I really thought we would win it then," said Martin. "Unfortunately they got out of the inning. We just couldn't seem to hit the ball when we needed it."
The stars for the Seminoles were once again the middle relief combination of Matt DiBlasi and Kevin Lynch along with closer Tyler Chambliss. DiBlasi went 3 1/3, his longest outing of the year, and extended his streak of consecutive innings without an earned run to 14 1/3. Lynch followed and pitched 2/3 of an inning and did not allow a run to score in a bases loaded jam. Chambliss then came in with FSU trailing in the ninth and went three innings. He did not allow a hit and raised his strike out total to eight for the weekend. He pitched five innings in the series and did not allow a hit or run while picking up two saves.
"I can't say enough about what DiBlasi, Lynch and Chambliss have done all year long," said Martin. "We kind of extended Tyler today because we wanted to do anything we could to win this ballgame. When you have road series coming against Georgia Tech and Miami you better take every opportunity to win. We did everything we could but we just came up a little short. You have to give credit to Wake Forest."
"Coming in with us trailing is a little different for me but you still have to come in and close it out giving your team a chance to win," said Chambliss. "You just have to shut things down so you can pump your team up and hopefully get that winning run."
Just like they did Saturday night, FSU took an early lead on Wake. Shane Robinson opened the game with a single to right off Wake Forest starter Brian Bach as Robinson reached base safely in his 55th consecutive game. The sophomore then swiped second for his 32 steal of the year getting himself into scoring position. Ryne Malone then drew the first walk of the game and Aaron Cheesman sacrificed both runners into scoring position. Brant Peacher then came up and pushed a run across on a ground out to short.
Wake looked to get even in the top of the second as a walk and a base hit put runners on the corners with just one away. Jones got the batter at the plate swinging but a double steal brought the tying run in.
The Demon Deacons once again put runners on the corners in the third but this time with no outs. Jones got the first out on a pop up to second and then a walk loaded the bases. Wake Forest then jumped into the lead on a sac fly for the second out of the inning. A double to left field put Wake up 3-1 with two runners still in scoring position. That brought Friday night's pitching star Brian Chambers into the game as Martin once again turned the game over to the Seminole middle relievers. The sophomore needed just one pitch to get out of the inning on a shot back to the mound.
Wake put runners on first and third again in the fourth on an error and a base hit as the Deacons looked to increase their lead. Aaron Cheesman got the second out of the inning by throwing out Matt Antonelli trying to swipe second but a single to center made it a 4-1 game. Another Seminole miscue, the team's third error of the game, scored Wake's fifth run and then a double off the wall in right boosted the Wake Forest lead to 6-1.
Florida State almost erased the entire lead in the sixth. Malone homered to right field to make it a 6-2 game and then Brant Peacher singled as FSU tried to comeback for the third straight day. Wake's first error of the game on a ground ball to short put two runners on. Gibbs Chapman then recorded his team-leading 33rd RBI on a single to left. Jernigan then brought both runners home with a two-RBI double making it a 6-5 game.
Wake Forest used a hit and another Seminole miscue to put runners on the corners with one away as Lynch relieved DiBlasi after 3 1/3 innings of near flawless relief work. Lynch then walked his second batter loading the bases. Lynch got the next batter looking for the second out and fanned the final batter of the inning leaving the bases full of Demon Deacons as the game moved into the bottom of the eighth.
Chambliss shut down the Deacons in the top of the ninth setting the stage for Thomas who gave FSU new life. With one out in the ninth, the freshman sent a 0-1 offering off the scoreboard tying the game. It was Thomas' second home run of the week.
Neither team could break the tie in the 10th or 11th but Wake almost equaled its run total from Friday and Saturday night combined with a seven run top of the 12th. Florida State fought back once again scoring four runs, three with two outs, and sending the tying run to the plate in the home half of the inning but they were unable to complete the miraculous comeback.
The Seminoles are on the road all of next week playing at Jacksonville Tuesday night before heading to Atlanta for a weekend series with No. 3 Georgia Tech. Game Tracker will be available for all FSU's 2005 games along with Steve Melewski's live radio broadcast available on WFLA locally and on the Internet at seminoles.com.
NAME POSITION AB R H RBI BB SO PO A
======================= ======== == == == === == == == ==
Shane Robinson CF 7 2 3 1 0 0 3 0
Ryne Malone 1B 4 1 3 1 3 1 15 0
Aaron Cheesman C 5 0 1 2 1 1 9 3
Brant Peacher DH 7 1 1 1 0 2 0 0
Jack Rye RF 3 1 0 0 0 0 1 1
Ruairi O'Connor PH 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0
Brandon Manasa PR-RF 1 1 0 0 1 0 1 0
Gibbs Chapman LF 5 2 1 1 1 1 1 0
Ryne Jernigan SS 6 0 1 2 0 1 1 4
Bryan Henry 3B 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0
Charles Cleveland 3B 4 1 1 1 1 1 0 1
Tony Thomas 2B 6 1 1 1 0 1 5 6
Hunter Jones P 0 1
Brian Chambers P 0 2
Matt DiBlasi P 0 0
Kevin Lynch P 0 0
Tyler Chambliss P 0 1
Mark Sauls P 0 0
Trent Jarvis P 0 0
Stephen Ochs P 0 0
========================
FSU 49 10 13 10 8 8 36 19
Opp 50 13 16 11 6 9 36 12
E - Opp-3, FSU-Aaron Cheesman (3), Ryne Jernigan (15), Bryan Henry 2 (7)
2B - Opp-4, FSU-Ryne Malone (12), Ryne Jernigan (4), Bryan Henry (10)
HR - Opp-1, FSU-Ryne Malone (3), Tony Thomas (2)
HBP - Opp-3
SH - Opp-3, FSU-Aaron Cheesman (4)
SF - Opp-1
SB - Opp-5, FSU-Shane Robinson 2 (33)
CS - Opp-1
NAME IP H R ER BB SO
============================== ==== == == == == ==
Hunter Jones 2.2 4 3 1 2 1
Brian Chambers 1.1 4 3 0 0 0
Matt DiBlasi 3.1 3 0 0 0 3
Kevin Lynch 0.2 0 0 0 1 2
Tyler Chambliss 3.0 0 0 0 1 3
Mark Sauls L (4-1) 0.1 2 4 4 2 0
Trent Jarvis 0.0 2 3 3 0 0
Stephen Ochs 0.2 1 0 0 0 0
===================
FSU 12.0 16 13 8 6 9
Opp W 12.0 13 10 5 8 8
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wake Forest | |||||||||||||||
| Florida State |
JACKSONVILLE, FL - Baseball can be a cruel game. You just have to ask Jacksonville University head coach Terry Alexander how cruel it can be. For the second straight meeting his Dolphins (17-20) entered the fifth inning either tied or with a lead over a Seminole team that has beaten them 31 of the last 32 times they have played only to see a big inning continue the FSU winning streak. Tuesday night it was a six-run seventh in which FSU recorded just one hit as Florida State (33-8) downed JU 11-4 extending the Seminoles' consecutive victory streak over the Dolphins to 12 in a row.
Florida State entered the seventh tied 4-4 with JU but the Seminoles put up six runs on just one hit, a Ryne Malone bases loaded triple, to break the game wide open. Malone tied a career high with five RBIs and got his first triple of the season as he recorded his 10th extra base hit in the last six games. Bryan Henry (2-2) picked up the win in relief as he went five innings and gave up just three hits. He allowed one unearned run and struck out four without issuing a walk.
"We obviously showed very good discipline at the plate tonight and that was evident in the seventh inning," said FSU head coach Mike Martin. "We bunted well and got a couple of breaks in that inning. It was a game where we stayed persistent. JU did a great job of keeping us off balance most of the game and we were very fortunate to win this ball game."
Malone was the only Seminole with a multi-hit game on the night and one of just two players with multi-RBIs as JU out hit the Seminoles 10-7. Malone has been the Seminoles hottest hitter as of late. After recording 21 hits in his first 28 games, the 2005 Brooks Wallace National Player of the Year candidate has 20 hits, 10 of which have gone for extra bases, in his last 12 games.
"I am feeling pretty good and I am seeing the ball a lot better lately," said Malone. "I have been working hard at it and my teammates have allowed me to come up in good situations. I am just doing what I can to help us win.
"The thing with baseball is that the game will humble you just as quick as it will reward you. It is going to be an up and down season and things are just going to get tougher. This team is going to keep working hard and so am I."
Tony Thomas, Jr. was the only other FSU batter with multiple RBIs as he continued his torrid hitting against the Dolphins. The freshman went 1-for-2 with his third home run of the season. In three games against the Dolphins Thomas is 5-for-6 with four RBIs, two home runs and a whopping 10 runs scored.
Jacksonville starter Brett Nagy got off to a great start for the Dolphins. He got Robinson to pop up on the first pitch of the game and then struck out the next two batters watching strike three. FSU starter Ryan Strauss didn't get off to quite as good a start as he gave up two hits putting runners on the corners with one away in the first but the freshman got a weak grounder to second to close out the inning.
Without the benefit of a hit, FSU mounted its first scoring threat versus Nagy. Brant Peacher was hit by a pitch and then Gibbs Chapman drew a walk to put a couple runners on base. Nagy got out of the second out on his third and fourth strikeouts of the game.
Jacksonville put two more runners on in the second on a walk and a single. With one away and runners on first and second, Strauss got his second out on a K looking. The freshman then loaded the bases as he plunked JU's lead-off hitter. Strauss came back and got ahead of the next hitter 0-2 on two breaking balls but Sean McHugh took the fourth pitch he saw and drove it back up the middle for a two-run single. It was the second straight game in which JU jumped out to a 2-0 lead on FSU. JU added to the lead on an infield single that looked like it ended the inning after a flip toss to second from Thomas but the runner was ruled safe at second allowing the run to come all the way around from second base. It was the sixth straight game Florida State fell behind early despite posting a 4-2 record in that stretch.
Thomas led off the third by falling behind 0-2 but managed to work out a walk giving FSU its third base runner of the game without its first hit. Robinson then broke up Nagy's no hit bid with his 18th double of the season putting two Seminoles in scoring position with nobody out. It was the 56th consecutive game in which the All-American candidate has reached base. Malone then drove in the first two of his five RBIs as he hit his seventh double in the last six games driving both runs in and cutting the lead to 3-2. Nagy continued to labor through the third as he walked Aaron Cheesman on a 3-2 pitch and then Jack Rye sacrificed the runners over on a bunt down the third base line. A walk to Peacher loaded the bases and then Chapman added to his team-leading RBI total with his 34th tying the game at 3-3 on a single. That closed the door on Nagy and brought Ashley Roque into the game and he proceeded to get the second out of the inning on a strike out looking. The senior then lost Danny Wardell next forcing in the Seminoles fourth run on the bases loaded walk.
With FSU in the lead, the Seminoles brought Henry into the game in the bottom of the third. Henry got the first two batters he faced and then gave up an infield single on a dribbler to third. Jacksonville's Matt Lopez easily beat the throw but in an attempt to get him out at first the ball was thrown away allowing the short stop to get to second. The error came back to hurt as the next batter doubled down the right field line allowing Lopez to come home from second tying the game at 4-4.
Wardell drew his second straight walk to lead off the sixth before Thomas sacrificed the runner to second with the top of the Seminole order due up. Roque walked Robinson on four straight pitches to put two runners on but a deep fly ball to left with the runners going on the pitch accounted for the second out of the frame as both runners had to retreat back to their original bases. Roque, who set a personal career high for innings pitched, then ended the inning on a ground ball to short.
New JU pitcher Aaron Parvey (0-1) opened the disasterous seventh on the hill for JU as the Seminoles countered with right-handed hitting Ruairi O'Connor. Parvey faced just the one batter and walked O'Connor on four straight pitches. Brandon Manasa replaced O'Connor at first and JU then brought former Seminole Hunter Davis into the ball game. He got the first batter on a shallow fly to right center but the Seminoles, who couldn't move the runner over on a sac by Peacher, got Manasa to second on a passed ball. Chapman then laid down a sac bunt and catcher Alex Jamieson went to third with the throw. With no force play on, Manasa didn't beat the throw but he did beat the tag. Jernigan, who made two unsuccessful attempts at laying down a bunt as Manasa charged home on the safety squeeze, loaded the bases up when he got hit by a pitch. With the sacks full, Davis got a pop up to short for the second out as he came one step closer to escaping the jam. The Dolphins then once again were hurt with their ninth walk of the game as Thomas drove home the leading run on another JU free pass. It was the sophomore's fifth walk in three games against JU. That scored Manasa and eventually ended up tagging Parvey with the loss despite facing just that one hitter. Jacksonville's 10th walk of the game, this one to Robinson, made it a 6-4 FSU lead. Malone then came up and it looked like he had drawn FSU's third straight walk as Davis went 3-0 and then seemed to miss on his fourth pitch as Malone headed to first but he had to come back to the plate on the strike call. It ended up being the best thing that could have happened as a few pitches later Malone blasted a 3-2 Davis pitch off the wall in right field clearing the bases with the triple and boosting the FSU lead to 9-4.
"We did a good job that entire inning," said Malone. We got base runners on and we were very selective at the plate. I was fortunate enough to get up there with the bases loaded. I got a good pitch and I did what I could with it."
Jacksonville was unable to get out of the seventh as the FSU advantage grew to 10-4 when Cheesman, who got on with a walk, swiped second. The throw down sailed into center allowing Malone to trot home with sixth run of the frame.
Thomas continued his hot hitting in the Jacksonville series as he opened the ninth with a solo home run off new Dolphin pitcher Josh Deel completing the Seminoles comeback from the early 2-0 deficit.
The Seminoles are back on the road this weekend for a series with No. 4 Georgia Tech. All three games will be televised. Friday's opener will be shown on Fox, Saturday's game will be the ACC Game of the Week and will be carried on Sun Sports as will Sunday's series finale.
NAME POSITION AB R H RBI BB SO PO A
======================= ======== == == == === == == == ==
Shane Robinson CF 3 2 1 1 3 1 3 0
Ryne Malone 3B-1B 5 2 2 5 0 1 3 0
Dennis Guinn PH-1B 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Aaron Cheesman C 4 1 0 0 2 3 9 0
Jack Rye RF 2 0 1 0 0 0 2 0
Ruairi O'Connor PH 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0
Brandon Manasa PR-RF 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 0
Brant Peacher DH 3 0 0 0 1 0 0 0
Kevin Lynch P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Matt DiBlasi P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Gibbs Chapman LF 3 1 1 1 1 2 2 0
Ryne Jernigan SS 4 1 1 0 0 2 0 6
Danny Wardell 1B 2 0 0 1 2 1 7 0
Bryan Henry P-3B 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Charles Cleveland 3B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Tony Thomas 2B 2 3 1 2 2 0 1 3
Ryan Strauss P 0 0
========================
FSU 31 11 7 10 12 11 27 9
Opp 36 4 10 4 1 8 27 10
E - Opp-1, FSU-Ryne Malone (2)
2B - Opp-2, FSU-Shane Robinson (18), Ryne Malone (13), Jack Rye (8)
3B - FSU-Ryne Malone (1)
HR - FSU-Tony Thomas (3)
HBP - Opp-2, FSU-Brant Peacher (5), Ryne Jernigan (5)
SH - FSU-Jack Rye (2), Gibbs Chapman (5), Tony Thomas (4)
SB - Opp-1, FSU-Aaron Cheesman (4)
NAME IP H R ER BB SO
============================== ==== == == == == ==
Ryan Strauss 2.0 5 3 3 1 2
Bryan Henry W (2-2) 5.0 3 1 0 0 4
Kevin Lynch 1.0 2 0 0 0 0
Matt DiBlasi 1.0 0 0 0 0 2
===================
FSU 9.0 10 4 3 1 8
Opp L 9.0 7 11 10 12 11
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida State | ||||||||||||
| Jacksonville |
ATLANTA, GA - Florida State had its chances in the opening game of a three-game series with Georgia Tech. FSU played perfect defense, got some timely hits and out hit the nation's third-best offense. It wasn't enough though. Georgia Tech used two, three-run homers and then withstood two FSU attempted comebacks to down the Seminoles 6-4 Friday night. Florida State stranded eight base runners in the loss and tied a season high with 11 strikeouts. It was the first loss of the year for Seminole starter Barret Browning (3-1) and it dropped FSU to 33-9 on the season and 9-4 in the ACC. Georgia Tech is now 27-7 and 14-2 in conference.
Browning went six innings and allowed five hits. All six runs were earned and both of Tech's homers came with two outs in the inning. Browning struck out seven and walked only two in the defeat.
"He (Barret Browning) really pitched well tonight," said head coach Mike Martin. "It was his best outing as a Seminole. It is unfortunate. Their club is a very talented baseball team. Barret happened to throw one in that spot but you have to give him credit for doing a great job tonight."
"Those are two pitches I definitely would want back," said Browning. "Anytime you give up runs it is disappointing. The pitches were thrown where they were supposed to be thrown but they have some good hitters. Give Georgia Tech credit."
Browning's first home run surrendered this season staked Tech to a 3-0 lead in the second. FSU came back with three of its own runs in the top of the third to tie the game. Browning then responded by retiring 12 of the next 13 batters. The only batter to reach came on a walk.
"A three run home run buries you a little bit," said Browning. "Especially with a good team like that you know they are going to continue to swing the bat, which they did. Like we have done all year, we battled back. We made them play baseball. They pushed us and we pushed them. It was a good ball game. I just wish we could have some out on top."
"He bounced right back and held them in check (after that first home run)," said Martin about Browning. "He was a bulldog tonight and that is what we wanted to see. It was disappointing but encouraging in many respects as well."
Both teams put a runner on in the first but each was erased by a caught stealing. Then in the second Georgia Tech mounted the first threat of the game. Wes Hodges led off with a single chopped into left field. He swiped second and then moved to third on a long fly ball out to the warning track in right. Matt Wieters then grounded out to short bringing the first run of the game in. Browning then hit the next batter before surrendering his first homer of the season as Andy Hawranick went deep over the left field wall putting the Jackets in front 3-0.
After falling behind for the 11th time in the last 12 games, Florida State tried to get some runs back as Ryne Jernigan singled and moved to second when the ball was bobbled in the outfield. Another error put runners on the corners before Tech starter Lee Hyde (5-1, 3-1) got back-to-back strikeouts to nearly escape the threat but Ryne Malone singled driving in the Seminoles' first run of the game. The run broke a streak of 15 scoreless innings for Hyde. Aaron Cheesman then came up and broke another streak. The senior doubled down the left field line tying the game at 3-3. It broke a string of 25 straight singles by the catcher and it was his first extra base hit since March 25.
Robinson extended his streak of reaching base safely to 57 games in the fifth when he doubled for the 19th time this season. That double set a new single season high for the All-American candidate. Cheesman then drew a two-out walk but FSU was unable to break the tie.
The game cruised along until a two out double in the bottom of the sixth. It was the first hit allowed by Browning since the home run as he retired 12 of the next 13 batters. The junior then issued his second free pass to put runners on first and second with two away. Browning couldn't escape the inning though as he got out to a 0-2 lead before surrendering his second homer of the game. It was just the second time this season that an FSU pitcher surrendered two homers in a game.
Just like they did in the third, FSU responded to a Georgia Tech three spot by trying to stage a two-out rally. Robinson started it with a single through the middle of the infield. Malone then singled to center putting runners on the corners. A walk to Cheesman loaded the bases and brought an end to Hyde's night. Reliever Tim Gustafson came in and got Brant Peacher to ground out to short to end the threat.
Brian Chambers came in to open the bottom of the seventh for FSU and kept Tech at bay allowing FSU to cut the lead by one in the eight. Danny Wardell took a 3-2 Gustafson offering over the wall in left making it a 6-4 game.
Chambers made it through two more outs in the eight but with a runner standing on second, Matt DiBlasi came in to relieve him. It took DiBlasi just one pitch to send the game into the ninth.
After a K by Tech closer Wieters (4), Robinson recorded his second double of the game to give FSU life in the ninth. Another strikeout brought Cheesman to the plate representing the tying run. The senior catcher laced a shot that looked like it had a chance to clear the fence and tie the game but a catch up against the wall in left ended the contest.
The Seminoles continue their series with No. 4 Georgia Tech Saturday at 1:00 p.m. Saturday's game will be the ACC Game of the Week and will be carried on Sun Sports as will Sunday's series finale. Sophomore Michael Hyde will start for the Seminoles. Game Tracker will be available for all FSU's 2005 games along with Steve Melewski's live radio broadcast available on WFLA locally and on the Internet at seminoles.com.
NAME POSITION AB R H RBI BB SO PO A
======================= ======== == == == === == == == ==
Shane Robinson CF 4 0 3 0 1 1 0 0
Ryne Malone 3B 5 1 2 1 0 1 0 1
Aaron Cheesman C 3 0 1 2 2 0 7 1
Brant Peacher DH 4 0 0 0 0 1 0 0
Gibbs Chapman LF 4 0 0 0 0 1 4 0
Danny Wardell 1B 4 1 1 1 0 2 8 1
Ryne Jernigan SS 4 1 2 0 0 1 2 3
Ruairi O'Connor RF 3 1 0 0 0 0 1 0
Jack Rye PH-RF 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0
Tony Thomas 2B 4 0 0 0 0 3 1 3
Barret Browning P 1 1
Brian Chambers P 0 1
Matt DiBlasi P 0 0
========================
FSU 36 4 9 4 3 11 24 11
Opp 29 6 7 6 2 7 27 7
E - Opp-2
2B - Opp-2, FSU-Shane Robinson 2 (20), Aaron Cheesman (7)
HR - Opp-2, FSU-Danny Wardell (3)
HBP - Opp-1
SB - Opp-1
CS - Opp-1, FSU-Shane Robinson (3)
NAME IP H R ER BB SO
============================== ==== == == == == ==
Barret Browning L (3-1) 6.0 5 6 6 2 7
Brian Chambers 1.2 2 0 0 0 0
Matt DiBlasi 0.1 0 0 0 0 0
===================
FSU 8.0 7 6 6 2 7
Opp W-Sv 8.0 9 4 1 3 11
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida State | ||||||||||||
| Georgia Tech |
ATLANTA, GA - In what FSU head coach Mike Martin called one of the most disappointing losses of his career, No. 4 Georgia Tech scored three runs in the bottom of the ninth, two of which came on a two out, two strike single, to walk off with a 9-8 win Saturday. No. 9 Florida State came back from an early 5-1 deficit by scoring seven unanswered runs but they could not hold down the Yellow Jacket rally in the ninth as Danny Payne drove in the game-tying and winning run on a single to shallow center field off closer Tyler Chambliss (5-2). The loss dropped FSU to 33-10 on the year and 9-5 in ACC play while Tech improved to 28-7 and 15-2 in the conference.
"That is just so disappointing," said Martin as he looked for the right words to describe the defeat. "It was a tough loss. One of the toughest I've had and I have had a bunch of them. We showed we can play with anybody in the country today and when you come on the road you have to prove it. We did that today and it was just unfortunate that it turned out the way that it did."
Chambliss took the loss as he blew just his third save of the season. The closer came into the game second in the nation in saves with 10 and looked like he was going to move into a tie for first as he struck out the side in the eight. The Live Oak, FL native got into trouble with walks in the ninth inning though. He retired the first batter of the final frame on his fourth straight K but a single and three walks cut the lead to 8-7. Then Payne sent his 1-2 offering into center field for a two-RBI single.
"Tyler struggled a little bit with his control," said Martin. "He made quality pitches but they were just out of the strike zone."
The walk off win put an end to one of the most hard-fought performances of the year for Florida State. It was the second game in the series where FSU did not commit an error and the staff struck out 17 Tech batters, the most by a Yellow Jacket opponent all season. FSU held Tech without a homer and limited Georgia Tech's 2-3-4 hitters to a 2-for-13 day.
The loss also spoiled one of the best outings of sophomore Bryan Henry's FSU career. After relieving Stephen Ochs, who came in for starter Michael Hyde, Henry pitched three innings and allowed just one hit. He struck out a season-high six batters and did not issue a walk. He also was the only Seminole player to drive in two runs in the game and recorded his 11th double of the season.
"I came in and just tried to give the team a lift," said Henry. "It was an opportunity for me to face one of the best hitting teams in the country. I took it as a challenge. I just gave it my best and had fun with the challenge.
"It was a good feeling to be able to contribute offensively as well. We came up one run short and if I would have gotten a hit it would have been another run (in the fifth inning). I am just trying to do whatever I can to help this team in any way possible."
Offensively, FSU scored its first five runs of the game without the benefit of a hit. Three came on walks; one came on a wild pitch and another on a ground out. Ryne Malone, Gibbs Chapman, Jack Rye, Ryne Jernigan and Tony Thomas, Jr. each recorded an RBI in the game. Jernigan and Chapman were the only two Seminoles with multiple hits as four Tech pitchers held the FSU offense to seven hits on the day.
Georgia Tech got out to an early lead in the second as Hyde put the lead runner on with his second walk of the game. Matt Wieters moved to second on a ground out and then came home on a Whit Robbins single to left center as FSU fell behind for the 12th time in the last 13 games.
For the second straight inning Georgia Tech starter Jason Neighborgall hit the first Seminole putting Tony Thomas, Jr. on to lead off the third. The Georgia Tech hurler struck out his fourth batter for the first out and then Shane Robinson blasted a line drive at the second baseman who was unable to handle the shot putting runners on first and third on the error. A four pitch walk to Ryne Malone loaded the bases but another K got Tech one step closer to getting out of the jam. Neighborgall then uncorked a wild pitch allowing the runners to move up and tying the game at 1-1.
The Seminoles, who kept Tech shortstop Tyler Greene in check Friday (0-for-4 with three K's), gave up a ground rule leadoff double down the right field line to start the bottom of the third. Hyde then walked Steven Blackwood before getting the first out via his fourth strikeout of the game. Hyde issued another walk to load the bases for Wieters. The Seminole hurler got the freshman to fly out to shallow right keeping the runner on third and recording the second out. Hyde started the next batter off with three straight balls before working the count full but his pay off pitch missed high walking in the second run of the game for Tech. Robbins then came up and hurt FSU again with a single into right center plating two more runs and extending the lead to 4-1. Number nine hitter Michael Fisher then added to the lead with an RBI single through the right side ending Hyde's day. It was the first time in his FSU career that Hyde didn't last at least five innings in any appearance. That brought Stephen Ochs into the game and he struck out the first batter he faced to end Tech's big inning.
Florida State answered in the fourth as Jack Rye drew a lead off walk and Ryne Jernigan, who collected his third hit in the series, singled through the right side breaking up the no-hit bid. Thomas followed by getting plunked on a 3-0 pitch to load the bases. Neighborgall then went 3-0 on Bryan Henry before walking in a run on a 3-1 pitch making it a 5-2 game. The Tech pitcher then needed just three pitches to get the second out as he got Robinson swinging and missing at each of his first three offerings. Ryne Malone then stepped in and watched four straight balls driving in another run and leaving the bases loaded in a 5-3 game. Chapman then tried to catch the Tech D off guard as he bunted down towards first but Neighborgall jumped off the mound and easily tossed the left fielder out.
Henry opened the bottom of the fourth on the hill and proceeded to get the first two batters he faced watching strike three. He then ended the fourth striking out his third straight batter.
Cheesman got hit by Neighborgall for the second time in the game to start off the top of the fifth. Jack Rye then reached on a fielder's choice before a walk to Danny Wardell put two on for the Seminoles. Neighborgall's fifth walk ended his day and brought right-hander Jordan Crews into the game. An error on a soft chopper to third allowed Jernigan to reach loading the bases for the second straight inning and the third time in the game. Crews then walked in yet another FSU run as the Seminoles closed to within a run on the third FSU run to score on a walk. Henry then grounded out to second driving in another run and evening the game at 5-5. It was the fifth run scored by FSU without the benefit of a hit.
After retiring his fourth straight batter with a K, Henry hit Wieters with a 3-2 pitch putting a runner on in the bottom of the fifth. After a long drive to left that Gibbs Chapman hauled in while crashing into the wall, Henry hit another batter before ending the threat with his fifth K in two innings of work.
Tech's seventh walk of the game put Malone on leading off the top of the sixth. Chapman then recorded just the second hit of the game for Florida State as his single into shallow left center put runners on the corners. Crews recorded his first K of the game for the first out of the sixth then a perfectly executed hit and run scored Malone on a single through the left side by Rye. It gave FSU its first lead of the weekend at 6-5 and it was the first run FSU scored in the game on a base hit. A pop up to first got Crews his second out of the inning but he couldn't get Jernigan who chopped a single over the head of third baseman Mike Trapani making it a 7-5 game.
After a leadoff double in the bottom of the sixth, Henry easily got out of the inning on two infield pop ups and his sixth K of the game. His six strikeouts equaled a season high set in a relief appearance against Duke March 26.
After surrendering a leadoff double, Henry started the seventh with a double of his own as he laced a ball just inside third base and down the left field line. After a ground out, Malone singled to right putting runners on the corners with one away as FSU looked for some insurance by building on the two-run lead. Chapman got FSU some breathing room with his second straight single boosting the lead to 8-5.
After a brilliant relief performance, Henry moved back to third in the seventh as Matt DiBlasi came into the game. DiBlasi's first pitch was sent into right field and the second batter he faced doubled putting two runners in scoring position. A walk loaded the bases for Tech bringing Robbins to the plate who was already 2-for-2 on the day with three RBIs. DiBlasi then got two big outs on a double play ball allowing Tech to cut the lead to 8-6. The earned run was the first one allowed by DiBlasi in 15 1/3 innings. Kevin Lynch then came into the game for the 117th time in his career, second all-time for appearances by an FSU pitcher. He proceeded to strike out Trapani ending the seventh.
FSU's ace closer Tyler Chambliss came into the game in the bottom of the eighth in hopes of wrapping up his 11th save of the season. He took a big step to moving into a tie for the NCAA lead in saves by striking out the side. He then opened the bottom of the ninth with his fourth straight K before giving up a single through the right side. A walk put the tying run on first and brought the potential winning run to the plate but Chambliss lost Jeff Kindle loading the bases and moving the tying run into scoring position. That brought up Robbins who already had three RBIs on the day. The sophomore took a 3-2 pitch and drew a walk driving in his fourth run and cutting the lead to 8-7. Chambliss came back and got his fifth K as Trapani watched strike three setting the stage for Payne's heroics.
The Seminoles conclude their series with No. 4 Georgia Tech Sunday at 1:00 p.m. The game will be carried live on Sun Sports. Game Tracker will be available for all FSU's 2005 games along with Steve Melewski's live radio broadcast available on WFLA locally and on the Internet at seminoles.com.
NAME POSITION AB R H RBI BB SO PO A
======================= ======== == == == === == == == ==
Shane Robinson CF 6 0 0 0 0 2 0 0
Ryne Malone 1B-3B-1B 3 1 1 1 3 0 4 0
Gibbs Chapman LF 5 1 2 1 0 2 1 0
Aaron Cheesman C 3 0 0 0 0 1 17 0
Jack Rye RF 4 2 1 1 1 1 2 0
Matt DiBlasi P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Kevin Lynch P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Tyler Chambliss P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Danny Wardell DH-1B 3 1 0 0 1 2 1 0
Brandon Manasa RF 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Ryne Jernigan SS 5 1 2 1 0 1 1 1
Tony Thomas 2B 2 1 0 1 1 1 0 2
Bryan Henry 3B-P-3B 4 1 1 2 1 1 0 0
Michael Hyde P 0 0
Stephen Ochs P 0 0
========================
FSU 36 8 7 7 7 11 26 3
Opp 35 9 10 8 9 17 27 8
E - Opp-2
2B - Opp-3, FSU-Bryan Henry (11)
HBP - Opp-2, FSU-Aaron Cheesman 2 (6), Tony Thomas 2 (7)
NAME IP H R ER BB SO
============================== ==== == == == == ==
Michael Hyde 2.2 5 5 5 5 4
Stephen Ochs 0.1 0 0 0 0 1
Bryan Henry 3.0 1 0 0 0 6
Matt DiBlasi 0.2 2 1 1 1 0
Kevin Lynch 0.1 0 0 0 0 1
Tyler Chambliss L (5-2) 1.2 2 3 3 3 5
===================
FSU 8.2 10 9 9 9 17
Opp W 9.0 7 8 5 7 11
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida State | ||||||||||||
| Georgia Tech |
ATLANTA, GA - The last time Florida State was swept in a three-game ACC series came at Dick Howser Stadium versus Georgia Tech. That was until this weekend. The fourth-ranked Yellow Jackets (29-7, 16-2) tightened their grip on first place in the ACC by completing a sweep over No. 9 FSU (33-11, 9-5) with a 9-4 win Sunday. It was the sixth straight regular season victory for Tech over FSU marking the first time that has happened since Florida State joined the ACC in 1992. Hunter Jones took the loss (4-2, 0-1) while Tech's Blake Wood improved to 7-0 and 4-0 in the ACC.
"I just told the team Georgia Tech got the job done, plain and simple," said FSU head coach Mike Martin. "It wasn't like we gave runs away or we gave them a game. They beat us. They deserved to win all three ball games. It wasn't anything but them going out and beating us."
The Seminoles stranded 10 more runners Sunday raising their total to 30 runners left on base in the three games. For the second straight day, FSU either out hit or had as many hits as the top hitting team in the ACC and one the top 15 teams in the nation as far as batting averages go. Despite ending the series with just one hit less than Tech (27-26), FSU fell by a combined score of 25-16 in the three-game set.
"I wouldn't have thought we would lose all three games when we had just one less hit in the series and committed only one error," said Martin. "Especially when we out hit them yesterday and scored eight runs. We kept swinging at pitchers' pitches. We swing in situations where we know we aren't going to get a hittable fastball. We swung at the pitches they wanted us to swing at."
The loss dropped FSU into fifth place in the conference behind Georgia Tech, Clemson, Miami, and North Carolina. FSU still has series with two of the three teams ahead of them. FSU also took two of three from a Clemson squad that still has to play NC State, Georgia Tech and Miami among others.
"I told our team that I was proud of some of what I saw today," said Martin. "I told them about a shortstop (Ryne Jernigan) that ran head on into a left fielder (Gibbs Chapman) and got up and finished the game. I told them about Hunter Jones who had a pretty good day today. Georgia Tech just does a good job.
"There is still too much left to think about how this game effects the postseason. We are going to keep fighting and that will start Tuesday night against a very good Florida ball club."
Jernigan and Chapman, who had a violent collision in shallow left field in the third inning, continued to carry the Seminole offense Sunday afternoon as Chapman went 3-for-5 with three RBIs and a homer and Jernigan went 1-for-2 with a walk and a hit by pitch. Jernigan finished the series going 5-for-11 while Chapman led the team with three RBIs.
After not homering in yesterday's game, Tech got the long ball out of the way early on as they touched up Jones in the bottom of the first. After Danny Payne led off the first with a single, Jones got the next batter before surrendering a two run homer to Steven Blackwood on the 12th pitch of the at bat. The shot bounced off the speaker tower just to the right of center field. It marked the 13th time in the last 14 games FSU has trailed early on.
As they have done all series and all year long, FSU answered back in their next at bat. After a fly ball out, Jernigan was hit and Danny Wardell followed with a single to put two runners on versus Wood. The sophomore hurler got the next out on a called third strike but he hit his second batter of the frame, Tony Thomas, Jr., to load the bases. Shane Robinson came through with a two-run single tying the game an ending a 0-for-7 streak for the All-American candidate.
Georgia Tech came right back and grabbed the lead again. A lead off walk came back to hurt Jones who gave up an RBI double to number nine hitter Mike Trapani to put Tech up 3-2. Trapani took third on an error on the throw to the plate trying to cut down Andy Hawranick and then came home on the next play as a sac fly to center field plated the fourth run for the Jackets.
Florida State tried to answer back with another two-out rally in the third as both Jack Rye and Jernigan singled. It was the fifth hit in 10 at bats for Jernigan in the series. It looked like the Seminoles would cash in but Wardell's shot down the left field line went right to third baseman Wes Hodges who was in perfect position but bobbled the ball before recovering and getting the force at third.
After retiring eight straight Yellow Jacket batters, Jones opened the bottom of the fifth by hitting the lead off batter who was moved into scoring position on a sac bunt. Jones then walked his second batter of the game. The junior pitcher got the second out on a superb play by Jernigan, who made a diving stop on a ball going up the middle to get a force out at second but FSU couldn't escape the inning. Hodges came up and singled home Tech's fifth run of the day.
Trailing 5-2, Florida State tried to stage another two-out rally. Thomas' double with Brant Peacher on first put two runners in scoring position with two away. The Seminoles couldn't cash in though as a ground out to third ended the threat.
Matt DiBlasi opened the bottom half of the sixth on the mound for FSU and the Jackets got to the junior leftie who has been almost untouchable as of late. The Yellow Jackets used two doubles to boost their lead to 6-2. Then DiBlasi, who had allowed two doubles all season, gave up his fourth of the series and third of the inning putting runners on second and third and making it a 7-2 Tech lead. DiBlasi's fourth double surrendered in the inning broke the game wide open as the Jackets moved in front 9-2.
Florida State responded to Tech's four-run sixth. Ryne Malone opened the seventh with a triple and was followed by Chapman who homered down the right field line. It was his team-leading fifth homer of the season and it ended Wood's day on the hill.
The Seminoles make their only appearance at Dick Howser until April 29 when they host No. 5 Florida Tuesday night at 7:00 p.m. The game will be carried live on Sun Sports. Game Tracker will be available for all FSU's 2005 games along with Steve Melewski's live radio broadcast available on WFLA locally and on the Internet at seminoles.com.
NAME POSITION AB R H RBI BB SO PO A
======================= ======== == == == === == == == ==
Shane Robinson CF 5 0 1 2 0 0 3 0
Ryne Malone 3B 5 1 1 0 0 2 0 3
Gibbs Chapman LF 5 1 3 2 0 2 3 0
Aaron Cheesman C 2 0 0 0 2 0 2 2
Danny Diaz C 1 0 0 0 0 1 2 0
Jack Rye RF 4 0 1 0 0 0 1 0
Brandon Manasa RF 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0
Ryne Jernigan SS 2 1 1 0 1 0 1 2
Danny Wardell 1B 4 1 1 0 0 1 10 1
Brant Peacher DH 3 0 0 0 0 1 0 0
Ruairi O'Connor PH 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0
Tony Thomas 2B 3 0 1 0 0 1 2 2
Hunter Jones P 0 2
Matt DiBlasi P 0 0
Ryan Strauss P 0 0
Mark Sauls P 0 0
========================
FSU 36 4 10 4 3 9 24 12
Opp 32 9 10 9 3 6 27 8
E - FSU-Tony Thomas (7)
2B - Opp-4, FSU-Tony Thomas (9)
3B - FSU-Ryne Malone (2)
HR - Opp-1, FSU-Gibbs Chapman (5)
HBP - Opp-1, FSU-Ryne Jernigan (6), Tony Thomas (8)
SH - Opp-1
SF - Opp-1
SB - FSU-Shane Robinson (34)
NAME IP H R ER BB SO
============================== ==== == == == == ==
Hunter Jones L (4-2) 5.0 5 5 4 2 3
Matt DiBlasi 1.0 4 4 4 1 1
Ryan Strauss 1.0 0 0 0 0 1
Mark Sauls 1.0 1 0 0 0 1
===================
FSU 8.0 10 9 8 3 6
Opp W 9.0 10 4 4 3 9
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida State | ||||||||||||
| Georgia Tech |
TALLAHASSEE, FL - After a tough weekend versus Georgia Tech, the 14th-ranked Seminoles couldn't have scripted a better rebound than Tuesday night's 4-2 upset of No. 5 Florida. The Seminoles got behind one of the best starts of the season by sophomore hurler Bryan Henry (3-2) who went 7 1/3 and allowed just two runs in picking up the win as FSU defeated its first ranked team of the season. Ace closer Tyler Chambliss picked up his 11th save of the season, moving him in to a tie for the NCAA lead, and Gibbs Chapman drove in three of the four runs in the win.
"This was a big game because it was such an important win for us after what happened this past weekend," said FSU head coach Mike Martin. "I am very proud of this ball club. We played with poise tonight.
"That was undoubtedly one of the best starts by any of our pitchers this season. It was right up there with any of the starts by our one or two guys. This was a start against a top five team that is leading the entire Southeastern Conference. That was a very important game for us."
Henry's 7 1/3 innings pitched were a career high and the second longest start by any FSU hurler this season. He came within one strikeout of equaling a career high and he threw just 96 pitches in the game. It was the Tallahassee native's first win as a starter since his first career start March 6 versus Hawaii Hilo.
"This is a great feeling right now," said Henry. "I don't even have the words to describe it. Playing a top five team in front of my home fans it feels great to help my team get a win. Growing up in Tallahassee I have seen the rivalry first hand. Getting the chance to pitch against Florida was just awesome."
"Let's face it. It is all about the guy on the hump," said Martin. "Bryan did such a great job out there. He showed a lot of grit and determination. That is what we have been waiting to see. I am just very pleased by our baseball team tonight."
Chapman had another big night as he extended his team leading home run total to six with his solo blast in the first inning. He then broke open a 1-1 game with a two-run double in the fifth driving in the game-winning run.
"There is no better feeling than hitting a home run in a game like this, especially in the first inning" said Chapman. "To be able to get the offense going and get the crowd behind us early on was a big lift."
"I have a lot of confidence in Gibbs Chapman," said Martin. "He is a good baseball player. He is very important to our team. He is a quality hitter and that is why we moved him to the third spot in the line-up. I am just glad he is seeing the ball and getting some good swings."
Henry got off to a strong start in the game getting the first two outs of the first inning before issuing a walk to number three hitter Adam Davis. The walk ended Henry's streak of 20 2/3 innings without issuing a free pass. The last time he walked a batter was in Hawaii March 6, which was his first ever game on the mound. The runner moved into scoring position on a balk and then swiped third but Henry left Davis standing there getting the final out on a foul out to third.
Florida starter Tommy Wynn (0-1) got the first two hitters he faced as well in the first but he couldn't make it out of the frame unscathed. The freshman came up against FSU's top homerun hitter this season and lost the battle as Chapman yanked his team-leading sixth homer over the right field fence putting FSU up 1-0.
"I hit that ball pretty good," said Chapman. "It was a 2-0 fastball that he left right down the middle. I was able to make good contact with it."
Henry set down the Gators in order in the top of the second and the Seminoles went back to work in the bottom of the inning. Danny Wardell laced a shot over short and into left center for a single and he was followed by Josh Spivey, making his first start since March 10. The freshman came through with a single through the right side for his first base hit since March 7. Both batters moved into scoring position on a balk. Wynn got the second out on his first K of the game and then ended the inning on a grounder to short.
Florida mounted a two out rally in the third. Henry gave up his first hit of the game and then walked his second batter putting runners on first and second. Adam Davis then blooped a double down the left field line evening the game at 1-1. An intentional walk to Matt LaPorta loaded the bases before a ground out ended the top of the inning.
"That is the way baseball is. A couple of times they smashed a couple of balls right at my guys then a bloop hit lands in for a double," said Henry. "Florida had a chance to do some serious damage in that inning but luckily I was able to control it."
A one out walk to Shane Robinson ended Wynn's night bringing Mike Pete into the game. The first batter he faced was Ryne Malone who laced a double off the screen in right field putting runners on second and third. It was the eighth double for Malone in the last 10 games. Chapman then blasted a double to deep center field that bounced over the wall and cleared the bases giving FSU a 3-1 lead.
Florida attempted to answer back again in the sixth. Two, one-out singles put runners on first and second but a tailor-made double play ball ended the threat.
Justin Tordi, who went 2-for-4 with three RBIs in the first meeting, led off the seventh by smoking a double down the left field line. He was sacrificed to third and then a two-out single into center field scored Tordi making it a 3-2 game.
With one away in the eighth and a runner on first, Matt DiBlasi relieved Henry on the hill. A steal moved the runner into scoring position before DiBlasi recorded the second out of the inning on a fly ball to right. The steal was the first attempted against DiBlasi all season and the fly ball out moved Davis 90 feet away from tying the ballgame but Kevin Lynch came in and ended the threat.
Ryne Jernigan gave FSU a little breathing room in the bottom of the eighth as he hit FSU's second homer of the game. The freshman sent a 1-0 pitch over the wall in left center field making it a 4-2 game. It was a continuation of Jernigan's hot hitting from the Georgia Tech series where he led the team with a .400 average.
"I see a young man evolving into the kind of shortstop we expected," said Martin of Jernigan. "He is playing with a lot of poise. He is comfortable out there. He is feeling good about himself and that is what this is all about. I am very proud of that young man. He has worked very hard."
"This was a big win especially going into Miami this weekend," said Chapman. "Beating Florida will give us some confidence because we know how tough Miami is. We know we can play with anybody in the country. We have a great team here and we keep getting better and better."
"We are getting better and that is the key," said Martin. "As we move through the season we have to get better every time we go out there. I am seeing young guys getting used to playing this type of baseball. It is exciting to me. That is what this program is all about. We play exciting baseball teams and that is all we are going to see the rest of the year is outstanding baseball teams."
Florida State will resume ACC play when they travel to Coral Gables, FL over the weekend for the first-ever conference series with Miami. The Canes come into the series ranked fifth in the nation and have won four of the last five meetings.
All three games will be carried live on Sun Sports. Game Tracker will be available for all the contests along with Steve Melewski's live radio broadcast available on WFLA locally and on the Internet at seminoles.com.
NAME POSITION AB R H RBI BB SO PO A
======================= ======== == == == === == == == ==
Shane Robinson CF 3 1 0 0 1 0 3 0
Ryne Malone 3B-1B 4 1 1 0 0 1 4 1
Gibbs Chapman LF 4 1 2 3 0 0 2 0
Aaron Cheesman C 3 0 1 0 1 1 5 2
Jack Rye RF 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
Ruairi O'Connor PH 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Brandon Manasa PH-RF 2 0 0 0 0 2 1 0
Ryne Jernigan SS 4 1 1 1 0 0 3 2
Danny Wardell 1B 2 0 1 0 1 0 6 0
Josh Spivey DH 2 0 1 0 1 1 0 0
Bryan Henry P-3B 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0
Matt DiBlasi P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Kevin Lynch P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Tyler Chambliss P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Tony Thomas 2B 3 0 0 0 0 3 2 4
========================
FSU 30 4 7 4 4 9 27 9
Opp 32 2 9 2 3 5 24 10
2B - Opp-2, FSU-Ryne Malone (14), Gibbs Chapman (9)
HR - FSU-Gibbs Chapman (6), Ryne Jernigan (4)
SH - Opp-1
SB - Opp-3
CS - Opp-1
NAME IP H R ER BB SO
============================== ==== == == == == ==
Bryan Henry W (3-2) 7.1 8 2 2 3 5
Matt DiBlasi 0.1 0 0 0 0 0
Kevin Lynch 0.1 0 0 0 0 0
Tyler Chambliss Sv(11) 1.0 1 0 0 0 0
===================
FSU 9.0 9 2 2 3 5
Opp L 8.0 7 4 4 4 9
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | ||||||||||||
| Florida State |
CORAL GABLES, FL - The 14th-ranked Florida State baseball team came just six outs away from doing what no other team in college baseball has been able to do in the last two years. The Seminoles took a 3-0 lead on UM ace Cesar Carillo and threatened to end his winning streak at 21 games before a disastrous eighth inning allowed No. 5 Miami to come from behind and down FSU 5-3. The Canes (30-9-1, 14-4-1) scored five runs on just one hit in the eighth. The Seminoles (34-12. 9-7) hit two hit batters, issued three walks and committed an error in the frame.
"It is very disappointing to play like we did in that eighth inning," said FSU head coach Mike Martin. "You have to give Miami credit because they took advantage of every mistake we made in that inning. They took advantage of mistakes we made and parlayed it into a big inning. Give them the credit."
Florida State seemed like it was on its way to its second straight upset of a top five team through seven innings. Starter Mark Sauls and reliever Kevin Lynch pitched 6 1/3 scoreless innings marking the first time this year UM had been held without a run at home for more than six innings. The Seminoles had already knocked Carillo out of the game, which was the first time in three tries the Miami mid-season All-American had left an FSU/UM game trailing but FSU couldn't get out of the eighth.
"We know Carillo is one of the premier pitchers in college baseball," said Martin. "We never thought we had the game locked up. You know you have to play all 27 outs."
It was outs 21-24 that proved hard to get for the Seminoles. FSU's third pitcher of the night Brian Chambers opened the bottom of the eighth by getting ahead of Jon Jay before hitting the Hurricanes clean-up hitter. Chambers then plunked his second straight batter putting two runners on with nobody out. It was the first real threat by Miami since the fourth inning. A double steal, without the benefit of a throw, took off the possible sacrifice as both runners moved into scoring position. When Chambers went 3-1 on the next batter, Martin wasted no time in calling for closer Tyler Chambliss (5-3) who was tied for the NCAA saves lead after Tuesday night's 11th save versus Florida. Chambliss' first pitch was a ball loading the bases. He then went 2-0 on the next Cane before throwing his first strike of the game. Chambliss then got Roger Tomas swinging for the first out. The Seminoles came inches away from getting out of the jam on what looked to be a double play. The ball was hit to Ryne Jernigan but the runner apparently beat the freshman to the bag at second before throwing out the runner at first base, which allowed Miami's first run of the game to score. The play proved costly as the next hitter singled through the right side driving in both runners and tying the game at 3-3. The potential lead run then moved into scoring position on a wild pitch as Chambliss went on to walk Danny Figueroa. A Jernigan error then completed the Miami comeback as Paco Figueroa's shot to short went under the freshman's glove allowing both runs to score on the two base error. An intentional walk put Ryan Braun on and brought Matt DiBlasi into the game who ended the nightmare inning.
Things couldn't have gone better for FSU up until that point. Florida State went on the attack in the third in a 0-0 game as Shane Robinson led off the inning getting on base for a second time as he was hit by a Carillo pitch. Ryne Malone, who earlier in his at bat yanked one just foul down the right field line, hit his 15th double of the season bringing Robinson home and putting FSU up 1-0. It was the sophomore's ninth double in the last 11 games. Gibbs Chapman then sacrificed Malone to third and reached safely on a throwing error putting runners on the corners with nobody out. Aaron Cheesman then fought back from a 0-2 count to draw a walk and load the bases as Carillo continued to look for the first out. Jack Rye hit an infield single between first and second scoring the second run and keeping the bases loaded. Carillo got the first out of the inning on a K and the second on a Danny Wardell sac fly adding to the FSU lead before getting out of the jam trailing 3-0.
The Canes put a base runner on in the bottom of the third as they tried to cut into the 3-0 lead but Ryan Braun was gunned down by Cheesman trying to swipe second. It was the 26th caught stealing of the year for Cheesman and only the fifth time Braun has been thrown out in 24 attempts. Cheesman had thrown out 12 of the last 26 runners attempting to steal on him at that point in the game.
The Seminoles got called for their second interference of the game in the fourth. After Tony Thomas, Jr. was hit by a pitch, Robinson beat out the back end of a double play but was ruled out due to Thomas being called for interfering with the throw from second to first. He was called for making contact above the knees of second baseman Walter Diaz.
Sauls got into a two-out jam in the fourth. A lead-off single was followed by a fielder's choice getting the runner at second and then a ground out moved the runner into scoring position. An error kept the inning alive putting Canes on the corners before a walk loaded the bases as the top of the UM order came to the plate. That brought in bases loaded specialist Lynch. In his previous seven appearances with the bases loaded Lynch had not allowed a run to score on six occasions and the senior made it seven with a strikeout to end the inning leaving the bases full.
Danny Wardell and Josh Spivey each recorded one out singles in the sixth to put runners on first and second versus Carillo. A Thomas sac moved both runners into scoring position with two away but FSU was unable to capitalize. Robinson came inches away from breaking the game open as he laced a shot into the gap in right center that was slicing away from Paco Figueroa who came up with the catch on the warning track.
Danny Valencia opened the bottom of the sixth with a single to center field as the Canes tried to end the shutout and get back into the game but the Canes could get nothing going against Lynch. The senior retired the side on a pop out, a fielder's choice and a strikeout.
Miami got a one-out double from Danny Figueroa in the seventh before athletic trainer Jerry Hilker visited with Lynch on the mound an eventually pulled him from the game due to soreness. That brought Chambers into the game and he got out of the seventh as UM's longest home scoreless streak of the season continued.
FSU looked to get an insurance run off Wardell's one-out double down the left field line off new pitcher Danny Gil (2-3). Spivey then drew a walk and was replaced at first by pinch runner Ryan Strauss marking his first appearance of the year on the bases. Gil got the second out of the inning on a K and then got out of the jam on a fly out to center.
After UM made its eighth inning comeback, Chapman drew a one out walk bringing the potential tying run to the plate and Cheesman kept the Seminoles' hopes alive with a single into shallow center. Closer Chris Perez (3), who opened the ninth, got pinch hitter Brant Peacher swinging to move the Canes an out away from dashing the Seminoles hopes of an upset. The closer finished the game off with a foul out to the catcher.
Florida State will continue its series in Coral Gables, FL with Miami Saturday night at 7:00 p.m. The game will be carried live on Sun Sports. Game Tracker will be available for all this year's games along with Steve Melewski's live radio broadcast available on WFLA locally and on the Internet at seminoles.com.
NAME POSITION AB R H RBI BB SO PO A
======================= ======== == == == === == == == ==
Shane Robinson CF 4 1 1 0 0 0 1 0
Ryne Malone 3B 5 1 1 1 0 1 0 3
Gibbs Chapman LF 3 1 0 0 1 0 0 0
Aaron Cheesman C 4 0 2 0 1 1 5 1
Jack Rye RF 3 0 1 1 0 2 2 0
Ruairi O'Connor PH 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Brandon Manasa RF 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
Brant Peacher PH 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0
Ryne Jernigan SS 4 0 0 0 1 1 3 7
Danny Wardell 1B 3 0 2 1 0 0 8 1
Josh Spivey DH 3 0 2 0 1 0 0 0
Ryan Strauss PR 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Tony Thomas 2B 2 0 0 0 0 2 3 2
Mark Sauls P 1 0
Kevin Lynch P 0 0
Brian Chambers P 0 0
Tyler Chambliss P 0 0
Matt DiBlasi P 0 0
========================
FSU 33 3 9 3 4 8 24 14
Opp 31 5 7 3 6 5 27 8
E - Opp-1, FSU-Ryne Jernigan (16), Tony Thomas (8)
2B - Opp-1, FSU-Ryne Malone (15), Danny Wardell (5)
HBP - Opp-3, FSU-Shane Robinson (6), Tony Thomas (9)
SH - FSU-Gibbs Chapman (6), Tony Thomas (5)
SF - FSU-Danny Wardell (2)
SB - Opp-2
CS - Opp-1
NAME IP H R ER BB SO
============================== ==== == == == == ==
Mark Sauls 3.2 4 0 0 3 1
Kevin Lynch 2.2 2 0 0 0 3
Brian Chambers 0.2 0 3 3 1 0
Tyler Chambliss L (5-3) 0.2 1 2 0 2 1
Matt DiBlasi 0.1 0 0 0 0 0
===================
FSU 8.0 7 5 3 6 5
Opp W-Sv 9.0 9 3 2 4 8
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida State | ||||||||||||
| Miami |
CORAL GABLES, FL - While Saturday's 5-2 loss to No. 5 Miami may not have been as heart breaking as the night before, it was still hard to swallow for the 14th-ranked Seminoles. It was the team's sixth straight ACC loss marking the first time in school history that the Seminoles have lost six regular season conference games in a row since joining the ACC in 1992. Barret Browning (3-2, 1-2) pitched six strong innings in defeat and Danny Wardell homered while Shane Robinson added two doubles to his team-leading total of 22. It wasn't enough though as UM (32-9-1, 15-4-1) rode the arm of Brandon Camerdese (5-0, 2-0) assuring Miami of the series victory over FSU (34-13, 9-8).
"This one was a game we did not deserve to win," said FSU head coach Mike Martin. "Miami deserved this one. They got it done tonight. There were a couple situations where we walked a couple of people and you just can't do that against Miami. You have to make them earn it, which they did most of the night. They had quality at bats tonight."
The outing was the second longest of Browning's FSU career. He allowed five hits and four earned runs but also struck out five batters. Free passes hurt the junior left-hander. His four walks were the most he had given up in an appearance since February 20.
"I thought Barret pitched very well," said Martin. "I was very pleased with his poise. He got out there and battled tonight."
For the second straight night the Seminoles got off to a quick start versus a Miami starter. Robinson opened the game with a hit. Saturday it was a double up the middle. Ryne Malone followed with a walk before Camerdese got his first out of the game on a K. A line out down the right field line got the Canes one out away from escaping any trouble and Camerdese then got his second strikeout, this one looking, to end the top of the first.
After a top of the first were FSU threatened to take the lead, it took Miami just one swing to jump in front. Browning got the first hitter of the inning but Paco Figueroa sent the first pitch he saw over the left field wall for a solo homerun.
Robinson led off another inning with another double in the third. Malone followed with a shot to the wall in right field but Paco Figueroa was there to reel in the ball while crashing into the Papa John's ad. The fly ball did allow Robinson to move to third base and the sophomore then came home on a ground out to short tying the game.
Browning got in trouble with the most dangerous part of the Miami order in the bottom of the third. He gave up a one out hit to the lead off hitter and then hit Paco Figueroa putting two on with Ryan Braun and Jon Jay due up. Browning then hit Braun on a 3-2 pitch to load the bases for one of the nation's top hitters in Jay. Jay grounded out weakly to first but he did push across UM's second run of the game. Browning limited the damage to just one run as he finished off the third with a K looking.
Miami added to its lead in the fourth. Walter Diaz led off the inning with a single and was sacrificed over to second. Alex Garabedian then drove the run in with a single through the left side making it a 3-1 game.
Jack Rye opened the fifth pinch hitting for Ruairi O'Connor. The freshman was hit by a pitch. Tony Thomas, Jr. then reached safely on an attempted sacrifice bunt putting two on with nobody out. Camardese got the first out on a fly ball but neither runner was able to move up a base. A hard hit ball to second accounted for the second out as a fielder's choice left runners on the corners with two down but once again FSU couldn't capitalize as the Seminoles left their fourth and fifth runners on base.
Paco Figueroa, who already homered and got on via a hit by pitch, led off the bottom of the fifth with a double to center field. He moved to third on a fly out to right but Browning came back strong and got the next two batters to end the Cane threat.
Danny Wardell then breathed some life into the Seminoles as he sent a shot over the left field wall closing the gap on the scoreboard to 3-2.
Browning opened the seventh by walking the first two batters he faced, the second on four straight pitches. The second walk ended Browning's night. It was the second longest outing of his career. That brought Paco Figueroa to the plate looking for his third hit. The senior faked bunt and then chopped one to third. Ryne Jernigan was there covering but after he smothered the ball he had no play on the infield single loading the bases. That brought none other than Kevin Lynch into the game. It was the ninth time Lynch came in with the bases loaded and the second time in the series. On seven previous occasions he did not allow a run to score but once again the Seminole defense let down. Lynch induced a tailor made double play ball that would have allowed one run to score but after making the out at second Thomas sailed his throw into the UM dugout allowing another run to come home putting the Canes up 5-2.
The Seminoles did bring the tying run to the plate in the ninth. Down to its last two outs, Jernigan got on after a difficult bouncer to first was misplayed for Miami's second error of the game. Pinch hitter Josh Spivey got caught looking at strike three bringing UM one out closer to clinching the series but a walk to Rye brought the tying run to the plate but closer Chris Perez (3) got pinch hitter Bryan Henry to end the game.
Florida State will complete its series in Coral Gables, FL with Miami Sunday at 1:00 p.m. The game will be carried live on Sun Sports. Game Tracker will be available for all this year's games along with Steve Melewski's live radio broadcast available on WFLA locally and on the Internet at seminoles.com.
NAME POSITION AB R H RBI BB SO PO A
======================= ======== == == == === == == == ==
Shane Robinson CF 4 1 2 0 0 0 4 0
Ryne Malone 3B 3 0 0 0 1 1 0 0
Gibbs Chapman LF 4 0 0 1 0 3 0 0
Aaron Cheesman C 4 0 0 0 0 0 7 2
Danny Wardell 1B 4 1 1 1 0 1 6 0
Ryne Jernigan SS 4 0 0 0 0 0 1 4
Brant Peacher DH 3 0 0 0 0 1 0 0
Josh Spivey PH 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0
Ruairi O'Connor RF 1 0 0 0 0 1 2 0
Jack Rye PH-RF 1 0 0 0 1 0 2 0
Tony Thomas 2B 3 0 1 0 0 0 2 1
Bryan Henry PH 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Barret Browning P 0 0
Michael Hyde P 0 0
Kevin Lynch P 0 1
Matt DiBlasi P 0 0
========================
FSU 33 2 4 2 2 8 24 8
Opp 28 5 6 4 6 7 27 9
E - Opp-2, FSU-Tony Thomas (9)
2B - Opp-1, FSU-Shane Robinson 2 (22)
HR - Opp-1, FSU-Danny Wardell (4)
HBP - Opp-2, FSU-Jack Rye (1)
SH - Opp-1
SB - Opp-2
CS - Opp-1
NAME IP H R ER BB SO
============================== ==== == == == == ==
Barret Browning L (3-2) 6.0 5 5 4 4 5
Michael Hyde 0.0 1 0 0 0 0
Kevin Lynch 1.0 0 0 0 1 1
Matt DiBlasi 1.0 0 0 0 1 1
===================
FSU 8.0 6 5 4 6 7
Opp W-Sv 9.0 4 2 2 2 8
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida State | ||||||||||||
| Miami |
CORAL GABLES, FL - What a week for Tallahassee native Bryan Henry. The sophomore spent most of the season playing third base but coaches were encouraged enough by a couple of relief appearances that he garnered the start against No. 5 Florida Tuesday. He pitched the game of his life going 7 1/3 downing one of FSU's most bitter rivals. Five days later it was another top five team and another huge rival. All Henry did was throw eight innings of four hit ball and allow one run as FSU (35-13, 10-8) handed fifth-ranked Miami (31-10-1, 15-5-1) its worst defeat in 76 games dating back to April 2, 2004. The 13-1 victory was the most lopsided win ever for the Seminoles at Miami tying the 1957 team, which defeated UM 15-3.
"I can't ask for much more than what happened this week," said Henry who improved to 4-2 and 2-1 in the ACC. "I am just trying not to let it all go to my head. I have been trying just to throw strikes and hoping good things would happen. This week things just went my way."
"Bryan is getting better every time out in throwing the breaking ball and change up," said FSU head coach Mike Martin. "He located well today and gave us exactly what we needed."
For the eighth time in 10 appearances this season, Henry did not walk a single batter as he limited the Hurricanes to just one run, equaling their lowest offensive output of the season. He struck out four batters and raised his K total to 30 on the year against just six walks. In his two wins against Florida and Miami this week, Henry pitched 15 1/3 innings gave up three runs, struck out nine batters and issued just three walks.
"That was a very important ballgame for us and Bryan pitched extremely well," said Martin. "It was a great win for us. We needed this ballgame today. There was no question about it. We needed this game. It was just one of those days where things went our way but it all starts with the guy on the mound."
"This is a great feeling," said Henry. "We had a get together after the game yesterday and coach said this was the biggest game of our careers. We needed to get the win today and I just wanted to step up for my team."
The 12-run loss was the worst of the season for the Canes and the most lopsided defeat for UM since a 17-4 loss versus Georgia Tech April 2, 2004. It was also the most dominating win for FSU in the series since a 12-0 win at Dick Howser Stadium in 2003. More importantly it was the first Sunday win for FSU in the last five tries.
Five different Seminoles had multi-hit games against four different Miami pitchers. Shane Robinson went 3-for-4, Aaron Cheesman went 2-for-3 with two RBIs, Ryne Jernigan went two-for-five with two RBIs and a homer and Tony Thomas, Jr. also collected two hits. No Seminole hitter had a bigger day than Danny Wardell. The senior went two-for-four, scored three runs and drove in four on his first career grand slam. For the series Wardell hit .455 with two homers, a double and a team leading six RBIs. He slugged 1.091 and scored four runs.
"That was so sweet for me and this team," said Wardell. "The wind was blowing in today and I just wanted to make solid contact with runners on. I wanted to get the runners in and I was just fortunate enough to hit it out.
"I came into this series with the mindset that I was ready to play. I knew I needed to contribute. I knew I needed to hit the ball and that is what I tried to do."
For the third straight game, Robinson led the game off by getting on base. Sunday it was a four pitch walk that put the All-American candidate on first. It took UM starter Ricky Orta (6-3, 2-2) five pitches this time but the Cane sophomore walked the second hitter he saw as well putting Ryne Malone on base. Robinson moved to third on a wild pitch but Orta got the first out on a strikeout with the next pitch. Cheesman then singled to the right side putting FSU up 1-0 and keeping runners on the corners. It was just FSU's second hit in 21 opportunities with runners in scoring position versus the Hurricanes. Jack Rye then brought in FSU's second run on a sac fly. Orta ended the inning with his second K of the frame.
FSU put another runner in scoring position in the second. Ryne Jernigan singled and advanced to second on a throwing error to first. Jernigan moved to third on a ground out and then FSU got its second hit of the day with runners in scoring position. Robinson tripled down the right field line increasing the FSU lead to 3-0.
The Canes got on board in the second thanks to a couple two-out hits. Walter Diaz recorded Miami's first hit of the game after Henry got the first two batters on grounders. The sophomore then was called for a balk, which turned out to be a key call as a Roger Tomas single to right scoring Diaz from second.
Ryan Braun led off the fourth with a base hit into center field. It was just the second hit of the series for the 2004 National Freshman of the Year. Jon Jay followed by grounding into a double play, the second of the game for FSU. The ground out left Jay, a 2004 freshman All-American searching for his first hit of the weekend series.
The Seminoles led off the fifth with back to back hits from Thomas and Robinson as they looked to build on the two-run lead. A walk to Malone loaded the bases with no outs as FSU looked to break the game open versus new pitcher Manny Miquelez. He got the first out without even having the ball put in play on a strike out looking. Cheesman then drove in a run on a fly out making it 4-1 but also bringing the Canes an out away from escaping what was a bases loaded jam. Jack Rye then came up and got hit in the helmet to load the bases one more time. It turned out to be costly as Wardell made the Canes pay with his second homer of the weekend and his fifth of the year. It was the first grand slam of the senior's FSU career and tied his career high for RBIs in a game.
"It was a first pitch fastball," said Wardell of the pitch he hit out for the grand slam. "I was waiting on a fastball and he gave me one right down the middle and I just took a hack at it."
Robinson singled again in the sixth, his sixth hit of the series, and then swiped his 35th base of the year. It moved him into seventh in the FSU record books for steals in a season. The sophomore moved to third on the throw down that sailed into center field. The error once again hurt the Canes as a balk brought Robinson home with the Seminoles' ninth run of the game.
Florida State continued to pour it on in the seventh. Cheesman and Wardell both singled, sandwiched around a Rye fielder's choice. Pinch hitter Brant Peacher then brought both runners home with a double into the gap in left center making it an 11-1 game.
In the eighth, FSU looked for a two out rally. A hit and back-to-back walks loaded the bases but the Seminoles couldn't capitalize. Florida State did add to the lead in the ninth though. Wardell drew a lead off walk and Jernigan then hit FSU's second homer of the game and third of the weekend making it a 13-1 game.
Florida State will not play a mid-week game for the first time in five weeks and will return to action at home April 29. The Seminoles will continue ACC play with a key series versus Virginia who is fresh off a sweep of Georgia Tech. The game will be carried live on Sun Sports. Game Tracker will be available for all this year's games along with Steve Melewski's live radio broadcast available on WFLA locally and on the Internet at seminoles.com.
NAME POSITION AB R H RBI BB SO PO A
======================= ======== == == == === == == == ==
Shane Robinson CF 4 3 3 1 1 0 2 0
Charles Cleveland PH 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0
Ryan Strauss RF 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
Ryne Malone 3B 3 2 1 0 3 1 0 3
Gibbs Chapman LF 4 0 0 0 1 3 3 0
Aaron Cheesman C 3 0 2 2 1 0 5 0
Jack Rye RF 2 2 0 1 0 0 2 0
Danny Diaz PH 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0
Brandon Manasa RF-CF 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Danny Wardell 1B 4 3 2 4 1 1 11 0
Josh Spivey DH 3 0 0 0 0 2 0 0
Brant Peacher PH-DH 2 0 1 2 0 0 0 0
Ryne Jernigan SS 5 2 2 2 0 1 1 5
Tony Thomas 2B 5 1 2 0 0 1 2 3
Bryan Henry P 0 2
Tyler Chambliss P 0 0
========================
FSU 37 13 13 12 7 11 27 13
Opp 29 1 4 1 1 5 27 7
E - Opp-2
2B - FSU-Brant Peacher (11)
3B - FSU-Shane Robinson (2)
HR - FSU-Danny Wardell (5), Ryne Jernigan (5)
HBP - Opp-2, FSU-Jack Rye (2)
SF - FSU-Aaron Cheesman (6), Jack Rye (5)
SB - FSU-Shane Robinson (35)
NAME IP H R ER BB SO
============================== ==== == == == == ==
Bryan Henry W (4-2) 8.0 4 1 1 0 4
Tyler Chambliss 1.0 0 0 0 1 1
===================
FSU 9.0 4 1 1 1 5
Opp L 9.0 13 13 12 7 11
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida State | ||||||||||||
| Miami |
TALLAHASSEE, FL - The Bryan Henry show keeps rolling on. The reigning ACC pitcher of the week won his third game in 11 days and became the first FSU pitcher this year to go seven or more innings in three straight appearances. He is also the first Seminole pitcher to throw back-to-back eight inning games in 2005 as he held Virginia to just four hits and one run in Florida State's 8-1 win Friday night. Ryne Malone delivered the game's biggest hit as he cleared the bases and broke the game open with a bases loaded double. The win improved Henry to 5-2 on the season and 2-2 in ACC play. The victory was also the 11th straight home win for Florida State (36-13, 11-8) over Virginia (30-14, 9-11).
"I did the same thing tonight I have tried to do the last few weeks, throw strikes and let my defense do the work," said Henry. "I was able to locate my pitches tonight and getting eight runs in two innings helps. That helps relax you."
Henry has been on a tear for the Seminoles as of late and his quick promotion from mid-week bullpen work to Friday night starter didn't seem to faze the sophomore. He once again exhibited great control as he struck out five batters and issued just one walk. In his last five appearances, Henry has an ERA of just 1.15 in 31 1/3 innings of work. He has struck out 24 batters and issued just five walks. Opponents have hit just .185 against him and most importantly he is 4-0.
"I have kind of gotten into a little bit of a rhythm over the past week or so," said Henry. "I am just out there having fun right now and not feeling any pressure."
"What Bryan is doing brings out the competitiveness in his teammates to match his success," said FSU head coach Mike Martin. "This young man is very poised. He enjoys competing. When all the other pitchers went inside yesterday during practice, Bryan was out here running the bases with the other guys because he will want to go out tomorrow and play third base. He is a winner."
Florida State got RBIs from four players but it was Malone's three-RBI double that broke the game wide open. The Seminoles, who were out hit 6-5, didn't have a single player with more than one hit and two of FSU's seven RBIs came when Avery hit batters with the bases loaded.
The game looked like it was going to be a classic pitcher's duel early on. After each team put just one base runner on through two innings, FSU mounted the game's first rally in the third inning. Josh Spivey led off with a double to the gap in left. Tony Thomas, Jr. then put down a sac bunt that was misplayed putting runners on the corners with nobody out. The Cavaliers gave up a run on the next play but wiped the bases clean with a double play. It looked like the Seminoles had added to their lead though when Malone crushed a Matt Avery (4-4) offering to left field. Cavalier outfielder Tom Hagan robbed the sophomore of a homer as he jumped and reached over the fence bringing the ball back for the third out.
"That was the first time that has ever happened to me and it was frustrating," said Malone. "It wasn't the first time I was robbed of a hit this year though. It is going to happen to you. It will probably happen a few more times in my career but you just have to credit the left fielder because he made a great play."
The Seminoles put runners on the corners for a second straight inning in the fourth as Aaron Cheesman walked and Jack Rye singled sharply to first. Danny Wardell then laid down a bunt base hit scoring Cheesman and putting runners on first and second. A ground out moved both runners into scoring position with two away. An intentional walk loaded the bases and then Thomas got plunked driving in FSU's third run of the game. Avery gave the Seminoles another run when he hit Shane Robinson plunking back-to-back FSU batters. Malone then came up and cleared the bases with a three-RBI double into right field.
"I just got up in a good situation with runners on," said Malone. "I was in a spot where we needed to drive in a couple of runs. I got a pitch inside and did what I could with it. The Virginia pitching staff is unbelievable so getting the amount of runs we did tonight was huge."
Things continued to go FSU's way when the next batter, Gibbs Chapman, half swung at an Avery offering and the check swing turned into an RBI single with the ball falling into shallow left field making it an 8-0 game.
The Cavaliers tried to mount a comeback in the fifth off Henry. A lead off double was followed by a single, just the second and third hits of the game off Henry, as UVa put runners on the corners. Back-to-back strikeouts and an inning ending ground out preserved the shutout as the game moved into the bottom of the fifth.
"I don't have overpowering stuff so I live off my location," said Henry. "I just throw the ball around the plate, let them hit it and know my defense will do the job. They have been playing great behind me."
Virginia finally broke through against Henry in the seventh as Brandon Guyer spoiled the shutout bid with his third home run of the year. The solo shot made it an 8-1 game. Henry pitched one more inning and then was relieved by Ryan Strauss in the ninth. FSU still has not had a nine-inning complete game from any of its pitchers as Henry has come the closest with back-to-back eight innings stints.
"I didn't lobby to finish the game. Getting the win is all that matters," said Henry. "Pitching a complete game doesn't matter. I have confidence in everyone on our pitching staff so as long as we get the win I am happy."
Florida State will continue its series with Virginia Saturday night at 7:00 p.m. Barret Browning (3-2) is slated to throw against Mike Ballard (6-3). Game Tracker will be available for all this year's games along with Steve Melewski's live radio broadcast available on WFLA locally and on the Internet at seminoles.com.
NAME POSITION AB R H RBI BB SO PO A
======================= ======== == == == === == == == ==
Shane Robinson CF 3 1 0 1 1 0 2 0
Ryne Malone 3B 3 1 1 3 2 1 0 1
Gibbs Chapman LF 5 0 1 1 0 2 2 0
Aaron Cheesman C 2 1 0 0 2 0 5 1
Danny Diaz C 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Jack Rye RF 4 1 1 0 0 0 0 0
Danny Wardell 1B 3 1 1 1 1 0 12 1
Ryne Jernigan SS 4 0 0 0 0 2 4 3
Josh Spivey DH 2 2 1 0 1 1 0 0
Brant Peacher PH 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Tony Thomas 2B 1 1 0 1 1 0 2 7
Bryan Henry P 0 0
Ryan Strauss P 0 0
========================
FSU 28 8 5 7 8 6 27 13
Opp 31 1 6 1 2 5 24 8
E - Opp-1
2B - Opp-1, FSU-Ryne Malone (16), Josh Spivey (3)
HR - Opp-1
HBP - FSU-Shane Robinson (7), Tony Thomas (10)
SH - FSU-Tony Thomas (6)
CS - Opp-1
NAME IP H R ER BB SO
============================== ==== == == == == ==
Bryan Henry W (5-2) 8.0 4 1 1 1 5
Ryan Strauss 1.0 2 0 0 1 0
===================
FSU 9.0 6 1 1 2 5
Opp L 8.0 5 8 7 8 6
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia | ||||||||||||
| Florida State |
TALLAHASSEE, FL - The Virginia Cavaliers hadn't won in Tallahassee since March 8, 1997 but thanks to a 6-2 win Sunday, UVa ended an 11-game losing streak to Florida State in Tallahassee. Virginia got strong pitching performances from Mike Ballard (7-3) and Sean Doolittle as the pair combined to record 13 strikeouts, a new season high for an FSU opponent. Doolittle not only picked up his second save, he drove in four of Virginia's six runs as the Cavaliers (31-14, 10-11) took an early lead and never looked back. The loss dropped FSU to 36-14 on the year and 11-9 in the ACC.
Virginia got off to a quick start in the top of the first versus Barret Browning (3-3). A two-out, two-run homer from Doolittle quickly staked the Cavaliers to a 2-0 lead. It was the fourth homer surrendered by Browning and all four have come in ACC games.
Ballard cruised through the early part of the game retiring the first five batters in a row until Ryne Jernigan came up with two outs in the bottom of the second and homered over the left field wall. It was his sixth of the year tying Gibbs Chapman for the team lead. Brant Peacher and Jack Rye then followed with back-to-back singles but the Seminoles couldn't score the runs.
Browning opened the third with back-to-back walks. A ground out moved both runners into scoring position and then FSU intentionally walked Ryan Zimmerman to load the bases. Doolittle then came up and hurt FSU again as he knocked in two more runs on a single to left field. That hit put UVa up 4-1 and knocked Browning from the game. Hunter Jones came in and got the second out of the inning on a fielder's choice at second base.
The Cavalier lead grew to 6-1 in the fifth as Virginia put together a two-out rally. Three straight two-out hits marked the third two-run inning of the game for UVa.
For the first time all game FSU's lead-off hitter reached base when Chapman walked to start the bottom of the sixth. A double play wiped Chapman off the bases in what proved to be a crucial play as Danny Wardell followed with his sixth home run of the season. It was the third in four games for the senior.
Doolittle relieved Ballard in the seventh and proceeded to strikeout the first five batters he faced as FSU struggled to find its offensive rhythm. The reliever then opened the ninth with his sixth strike out of the game. It was the 11th K for a Cavalier pitcher on the day. It tied a season high for FSU strikeouts in a game and it was the fifth time in the last 10 games the Seminoles fanned 11 times. Doolittle then broke that season high getting a 12th and 13th K to end the game.
Florida State concludes its series with Virginia this afternoon. The Seminoles then return to action Tuesday night in Gainesville Florida for the rubber match of the three game series with the Gators. The game is slated for a 7:00 p.m. start and will be shown live on Sun Sports. Game Tracker will be available for all this year's games along with Steve Melewski's live radio broadcast available on WFLA locally and on the Internet at seminoles.com.
NAME POSITION AB R H RBI BB SO PO A
======================= ======== == == == === == == == ==
Shane Robinson CF 4 0 0 0 0 2 3 0
Ryne Malone 3B-2B 4 0 0 0 0 2 1 5
Gibbs Chapman LF 3 0 1 0 1 1 0 0
Aaron Cheesman C 3 0 0 0 0 0 5 0
Danny Diaz C 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 1
Danny Wardell 1B 4 1 2 1 0 0 12 1
Ryne Jernigan SS 4 1 1 1 0 1 1 5
Brant Peacher DH 4 0 2 0 0 2 0 0
Jack Rye RF 3 0 1 0 0 1 2 0
Tony Thomas 2B 3 0 0 0 0 3 2 3
Bryan Henry 3B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Barret Browning P 1 0
Hunter Jones P 0 1
========================
FSU 33 2 7 2 1 13 27 16
Opp 33 6 8 6 5 5 27 6
E - FSU-Gibbs Chapman (3)
2B - Opp-2
HR - Opp-1, FSU-Danny Wardell (6), Ryne Jernigan (6)
SH - Opp-1
CS - Opp-1
NAME IP H R ER BB SO
============================== ==== == == == == ==
Barret Browning L (3-3) 2.1 2 4 4 4 1
Hunter Jones 6.2 6 2 2 1 4
===================
FSU 9.0 8 6 6 5 5
Opp W-Sv 9.0 7 2 2 1 13
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia | ||||||||||||
| Florida State |
TALLAHASSEE, FL - The Virginia Cavaliers came into Tallahassee winners of six straight including a three-game sweep of the ACC's top team Georgia Tech. They were the hottest team in the conference with the league's second-best pitching staff. That didn't stop the 15th-ranked Seminoles from scoring 15 runs in their two wins though as they took the series thanks to a 7-2 victory in the second game of a doubleheader Sunday. Florida State (37-14, 12-9) used a five-run seventh to blow the game open and Kevin Lynch (7-0) picked up his team leading seventh win with three strong innings of relief.
The Cavaliers, who lost the opener 8-1, evened the series earlier in the day with a 6-2 victory but the Seminoles secured the series win thanks to Lynch's pitching and key hits by Rye and Ryne Malone. The loss dropped the Cavaliers to 31-15 and 10-12 in the ACC.
"You have to give credit to the University of Virginia for that first game today," said FSU head coach Mike Martin. "(Mike) Ballard pitched a great ball game. The second game was a total reversal. We needed that ballgame. For us to win two out of three was extremely important. This was a very, very important game for us."
"Getting a win in a conference series is big but especially against Virginia," said Malone. "It gives us some momentum as we head down the stretch and try to position ourselves for the ACC Tournament and Regionals."
Lynch once again came through in a big way for Florida State. The senior, who set a new personal best with his 31st appearance, followed Michael Hyde after the freshman pitched five strong innings allowing just two runs. Lynch came in with runners on the corners and gave up a single to give UVa the lead. He then pitched his way out of a bases loaded jam with just one out to keep FSU in the game. Lynch now has 121 career appearances and has equaled his win total from his sophomore and junior seasons combined.
"I am a competitive guy and I like challenges," said Lynch. "I guess I can't get people out unless the bases are loaded then I am able to strike people out. We have to win every series from here on out and we should what we are made of after losing that first game today but coming back to take the series."
Getting two strikeouts to get out of the bases loaded jam seemed to fire FSU up as the Seminoles scored six of their seven runs in the next two innings. The biggest hits came in the five-run seventh where Rye recorded two RBI's to make it a 4-2 game and then Malone hit a three-run homer to extend the lead to 7-2.
"We did a good job that inning just in general getting guys on," said Malone. "It is about getting good pitches to hit and then trying to drive runs in when you have the opportunity."
"It felt good to get that hit," said Rye. "It gave us some confidence and after Malone's home run, it was over."
Just like they did in game one of the doubleheader, the Cavaliers took an early lead due to the long ball. Matt Street blasted a shot off the top of the scoreboard in left field in the top of the third for a 1-0 lead.
The Seminoles didn't even put a man on base until the fourth when Shane Robinson drew a lead-off walk and he was followed by Malone who also worked out a free pass. Gibbs Chapman sacrificed the runners into scoring position and then a second straight sac bunt from Aaron Cheesman evened the game at 1-1.
Virginia looked to take the lead back in the sixth as they put runners on the corners with nobody out. That brought Lynch into the game and the senior's first pitch was sent into right field breaking the tie. A sac bunt moved both runners into scoring position and then Lynch went 3-0 on the next hitter before intentionally walking the bases loaded. The senior got the next batter swinging at strike three for the second out and then fanned the next hitter to end the threat.
"Kevin enjoys every opportunity that gives him a chance to pitch," said Martin. "You can't expect him to come in and get people out every single time. He did a very good job that inning of getting his team into the dugout with just one run scoring. If you only give up one run in the situation he inherited, you really got to be pleased."
Robinson led off the sixth with just FSU's second hit of the day versus Virginia starter Jeff Kamrath. He then swiped second before the hurler got the first out of the inning on a K. A balk moved Robinson to third and Chapman then drove the run home on a sac fly.
Casey Lambert (1-3) came on in relief in the seventh and walked the first batter he faced. Pinch hitter Brant Peacher then doubled down the left field line putting runners at second and third. Rye then smashed a shot to third that bounced over the fielder scoring both runners and putting the Seminoles in front for the first time on the day. After a Tony Thomas, Jr. sac, Robinson popped a ball up into shallow right that was lost in the sun putting runners on the corners. Malone then broke the game open with a towering shot over the fence in right center making it a 7-2 game.
The Seminoles return to action Tuesday night in Gainesville for the rubber match of the three game series with the third-ranked Gators (31-12). The game is slated for a 7:00 p.m. start and will be shown live on Sun Sports. Game Tracker will be available for all this year's games along with Steve Melewski's live radio broadcast available on WFLA locally and on the Internet at seminoles.com.
NAME POSITION AB R H RBI BB SO PO A
======================= ======== == == == === == == == ==
Shane Robinson CF 3 3 2 0 1 0 5 0
Ryne Malone 3B 3 1 1 3 1 1 0 2
Gibbs Chapman LF 2 0 0 1 0 1 1 0
Aaron Cheesman C 3 0 1 1 0 0 7 0
Danny Wardell 1B 4 0 1 0 0 0 9 1
Ryne Jernigan SS 3 1 0 0 1 2 2 2
Josh Spivey DH 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 0
Brant Peacher PH-DH 2 1 1 0 0 0 0 0
Jack Rye RF 3 1 2 2 0 1 0 0
Tony Thomas 2B 2 0 0 0 0 1 2 3
Michael Hyde P 1 1
Kevin Lynch P 0 1
Tyler Chambliss P 0 0
========================
FSU 27 7 8 7 3 7 27 10
Opp 32 2 8 2 2 7 24 12
2B - Opp-2, FSU-Brant Peacher (12)
HR - Opp-1, FSU-Ryne Malone (4)
SH - Opp-2, FSU-Gibbs Chapman (7), Aaron Cheesman (5), Tony Thomas (7)
SF - FSU-Gibbs Chapman (5)
SB - FSU-Shane Robinson 2 (37)
NAME IP H R ER BB SO
============================== ==== == == == == ==
Michael Hyde 5.0 6 2 2 1 1
Kevin Lynch W (7-0) 3.0 1 0 0 1 5
Tyler Chambliss 1.0 1 0 0 0 1
===================
FSU 9.0 8 2 2 2 7
Opp L 8.0 8 7 7 3 7
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia | ||||||||||||
| Florida State |
GAINESVILLE, FL - The 15th-ranked Florida State baseball team was looking for a big series win over a ranked opponent and they got it Tuesday night. The Seminoles took the rubber game in their series with No. 4 Florida 9-4 in Gainesville giving FSU its first series victory over a ranked opponent in 2005. Mark Sauls (5-1) picked up the win and Gainesville native Ryne Malone drove in the game winning run as FSU (38-14) secured its first win at McKethan Stadium since March 1, 2002. The win was the second in a row for FSU over the Gators (31-13) and the Seminoles have now won eight of the last 14 meetings.
"I think Florida has established themselves as a legitimate No. 1 seed and Florida State hasn't," said FSU head coach Mike Martin. "We are playing much better now but we are in a situation where we are fighting an uphill battle. There is an awful lot of baseball left for us to play but that ball club we faced tonight is as good as I have seen."
"This was an excellent game tonight and it was a big confidence booster," said Malone. "When you take two out of three from a top 10 team and a great ball club like Florida it is huge. We got it done tonight."
Tyler Chambliss picked up his 12th save of the season and got out FSU out of a bases loaded jam in the bottom of the eighth inning. Malone led the team with three RBIs and Shane Robinson went 3-for-3 on the night. Danny Wardell hit his team-leading seventh home run of the season in the win.
"Danny gave us a big lift with that home run," said Martin. "There was no question that picked our team up and I am very pleased with the way he is playing. That was one of many big moments in tonight's game."
Florida State got off to a good start versus UF starter Stephen Locke (5-1). Robinson drew a lead-off walk and moved to second on a ground out. Aaron Cheesman then came up with a big two-out RBI putting the Seminoles in front 1-0.
The Seminoles turned another walk into a run in the second. The walk was the second of the game for Locke who came into the night with just seven on the season in 44 innings. Brant Peacher drew a one out walk and then Jack Rye smoked a double down the right field line. He was thrown out trying to stretch it into a triple but Peacher came home with the second run of the game for FSU. The double was the ninth of the year for Rye and his first since April 12 versus Jacksonville. That was the last game in which Peacher drew a walk as well.
The Gators got back into it in the bottom of the second inning. A single and a fielder's choice were followed by a triple, the first allowed by FSU in 2005, cutting the lead to 2-1. Then a slow roller to third brought the run in making it a 2-2 game.
Peacher did the damage with his bat in the fourth inning. After Ryne Jernigan hit a two-out single, Peacher came up and sent a shot over the wall in left center making it a 4-2 game. It was the second home run of the year for Peacher. His last came March 26 at Duke.
Florida took advantage of walks to close the gap in the bottom of the fourth. Two walks sandwiched around a ground out put runners on the corners then a two-out base hit by Brian Jeroloman cut the lead to 4-3. The catcher was down 0-2 in the count before singling home the run.
Tommy Wynn relieved Locke in the top of the fifth. Locke went 5 2/3 in a win and allowed just one run in the first meeting between the teams but the Seminoles knocked him out of the game as the freshman walked a season high three batters. Robinson greeted Wynn by getting on base to start an inning for the third time with his second base hit of the game. After a strikeout, Robinson swiped his 38th base of the season before moving to third on a ground out. The Seminoles were unable to bring the sophomore home keeping it a 4-3 game.
A one out single in the sixth brought Matt DiBlasi into the game ending Sauls' night. It was the longest outing for Sauls since an April 6 start versus Jacksonville and his third longest stint of the year.
For the fourth time in seven innings FSU put the lead-off runner on as Tony Thomas, Jr. opened the frame with a walk. The freshman then swiped second before a Robinson sacrifice moved him to third base. That brought UF's third pitcher of the night into the game as Steven Porter relieved Wynn. The Gators brought the infield in to make a play at the plate and Ryne Malone sent a grounder to second but the throw home was too late to get Thomas extending FSU's lead to 5-3.
Wardell gave FSU some more breathing room in the eighth. The first baseman blasted a solo shot off the top of the scoreboard in right field to make it a 6-3 game. It was the fourth homer for Wardell in the last six games.
The Gators mounted a comeback in the eighth with back-to-back one out singles. That brought Kevin Lynch into the game as he looked to put out another fire for FSU. Lynch got a big out when he picked Dickey off second.
"Miami did the same thing to us two weekends ago and Kevin looked right through him," said Martin. "We went back and went over that. It was ironic the same situation came up and I am very proud of Kevin Lynch for taking responsibility and making that play."
After the pickoff, a hard shot off the glove of Ryne Jernigan put runners on the corners with two down in the inning. Chambliss then entered the game trying to put an end to the Gator threat but Brian Leclerc singled through the left side to make it a 6-4 game. The next batter reached on a check swing single down to third base loading the bases. Chambliss came back and struck out Jeroloman to end the threat and keep FSU in front.
"That was another big point in the ball game, no question about it," said Martin. "That strike out gave us a big lift."
"That isn't the first time I have come into a difficult situation," said Chambliss. "I just told myself to make a good pitch and get an out. Florida has a great team and it feels really good to get a win like that. There were a lot of people who came through tonight and I was just happy I could do my part."
Thomas led off the ninth by getting hit by a pitch. Robinson then followed with his third hit of the game putting runners on second and third. It was the 15th three-hit game of the season for Robinson and the 29th multi-hit game of the year for the All-American candidate. Malone then brought the runners home with his 17th double of the season raising his RBI total to 41 and the Seminole lead to 8-4. Of Malone's last 22 hits, 16 have gone for extra bases. A wild pitch moved Malone to third and Gibbs Chapman brought him home on a bloop single into left field to end the scoring.
The Seminoles return to ACC action this weekend in Maryland. Friday and Saturday's game are slated for a 7:00 p.m. starts and the series is scheduled to wrap-up Sunday at 1:00 p.m. Game Tracker will be available for all this year's games along with Steve Melewski's live radio broadcast available on WFLA locally and on the Internet at seminoles.com.
NAME POSITION AB R H RBI BB SO PO A
======================= ======== == == == === == == == ==
Shane Robinson CF 3 2 3 0 1 0 2 0
Ryne Malone 3B 5 1 1 3 0 3 2 3
Gibbs Chapman LF 5 0 1 1 0 0 1 0
Aaron Cheesman C 5 0 2 1 0 0 7 0
Danny Wardell 1B 5 1 1 1 0 2 10 1
Ryne Jernigan SS 5 1 1 0 0 1 1 1
Brant Peacher DH 1 2 1 2 1 0 0 0
Josh Spivey PH-DH 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0
Jack Rye RF 3 0 1 1 1 0 1 0
Tony Thomas 2B 2 2 0 0 1 2 2 5
Mark Sauls P 1 1
Matt DiBlasi P 0 0
Kevin Lynch P 0 1
Tyler Chambliss P 0 0
========================
FSU 36 9 12 9 4 8 27 12
Opp 36 4 11 4 2 7 27 14
2B - FSU-Ryne Malone (17), Jack Rye (9)
3B - Opp-1
HR - FSU-Danny Wardell (7), Brant Peacher (2)
HBP - FSU-Tony Thomas (11)
SH - FSU-Shane Robinson (4)
SB - FSU-Shane Robinson (38), Gibbs Chapman (16), Aaron Cheesman (5), Tony Thomas (6)
CS - FSU-Ryne Malone (4)
NAME IP H R ER BB SO
============================== ==== == == == == ==
Mark Sauls W (5-1) 5.1 5 3 3 2 2
Matt DiBlasi 2.0 2 1 1 0 3
Kevin Lynch 0.1 1 0 0 0 0
Tyler Chambliss Sv(12) 1.1 3 0 0 0 2
===================
FSU 9.0 11 4 4 2 7
Opp L 9.0 12 9 9 4 8
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida State | ||||||||||||
| Florida |
COLLEGE PARK, MD - Another start and another win for Seminole ace Bryan Henry. The sophomore won his fourth straight game as he once again allowed just four hits and one run for the third straight outing improving his record to 6-2 on the season and 3-2 in the ACC. Henry held Maryland hitless through 4 2/3 didn't do it alone Friday night though as Gibbs Chapman drove in five runs, four on his second grand slam of the season as FSU (39-14, 13-9) took the series opener from Maryland 7-2. Chapman had the homer and a triple and Danny Wardell recorded two doubles in the win.
Henry continues to be the story for Florida State as of late. The Tallahassee native lowered his ERA to 1.59 as he pitched seven innings Friday night. It was his fourth consecutive start of seven or more innings and he is the first Seminole to do that in 2005. In his last six outings, Henry is now 5-0 with a 1.17 ERA including 10 strikeouts and just two walks. Opponents are hitting just .182 off of him in that stretch.
Maryland used eight different pitchers in the game as they took a "staff" approach to the game switching pitchers every inning. The strategy almost beat No. 5 Miami last Friday night and worked early against FSU as the Seminoles had trouble finding a rhythm in the first couple of innings.
For the third straight inning versus the third different pitcher, FSU put the lead-off hitter on base to start the third inning. The Seminoles third hit of the game put runners on first and second but an attempted sac bunt right back to the mound allowed Maryland to record the first out while cutting down the lead runner. Shane Robinson then chopped one to third that should have ended the inning on a double play if not for some heads up base running by Jack Rye. The freshman was heading to third where he would have been tagged and the DP turned at second. Rye stopped running and the third baseman gave up on tagging Rye out and just got the force at second extending the inning. The play was so huge because Ryne Malone was then hit by a pitch to load up the bases. That brought up Chapman who after trying to lay down a bunt eventually swung away and cleared the bases with his second grand slam of the season and his seventh home run of the year.
A two-out walk ended Henry's streak of setting down the first 11 Terrapin batters he faced but that was all that Maryland would get through the first four innings. The Terps did eventually break up the no-hitter with a two-out hit in the fifth.
The second hit of the game was a big one for the Terrapins as Elliot Singletary opened the bottom of the sixth with a solo shot over the 20-foot screen in left field.
The Seminoles came right back in the seventh and got the run back thanks once again to Chapman. The senior hit his second triple of the year scoring Ryne Malone making it a 5-1 game with all five RBIs coming off the bat of the outfielder. Wardell then blasted a shot off the fence plating Chapman and Aaron Cheesman making it a 7-1 game on the two-run double, his second of the game.
The Terps put together a rally in the eighth versus reliever Brian Chambers. A couple of hits and an error loaded the bases for Maryland. Another error, just the 22nd of the season in ACC play, allowed a run to score and kept the bases loaded. It also brought Kevin Lynch into the game for the 123rd time in his stellar career. The senior needed just two pitches to end another bases loaded threat as he got the batter to ground into an inning ending double play. It was the seventh time in his last eight opportunities that Lynch has come in with the bases full and not allowed a runner to score.
The Seminoles continue their series with Maryland Saturday at 7:00 p.m. Game Tracker will be available for all this year's games along with Steve Melewski's live radio broadcast available on WFLA locally and on the Internet at seminoles.com.
NAME POSITION AB R H RBI BB SO PO A
======================= ======== == == == === == == == ==
Shane Robinson CF 3 1 0 0 2 0 3 0
Ryne Malone 3B 3 2 2 0 1 0 0 0
Gibbs Chapman LF 5 2 2 5 0 1 3 0
Aaron Cheesman C 3 1 1 0 1 0 4 2
Danny Wardell 1B 4 0 2 2 0 1 10 1
Ryne Jernigan SS 3 0 0 0 0 2 1 3
Brant Peacher DH 2 0 1 0 1 0 0 0
Josh Spivey PH 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Jack Rye RF 3 1 1 0 0 1 1 0
Ruairi O'Connor PH-RF 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0
Tony Thomas 2B 4 0 0 0 0 1 5 6
Bryan Henry P 0 0
Brian Chambers P 0 0
Kevin Lynch P 0 0
Hunter Jones P 0 0
========================
FSU 31 7 9 7 6 6 27 12
Opp 33 2 6 2 1 6 27 13
E - FSU-Brian Chambers (1), Ryne Malone (3)
2B - FSU-Danny Wardell 2 (7)
3B - FSU-Gibbs Chapman (2)
HR - Opp-1, FSU-Gibbs Chapman (7)
HBP - FSU-Ryne Malone (2)
SH - FSU-Ryne Jernigan (6)
SB - Opp-1
CS - FSU-Ryne Malone (5), Aaron Cheesman (3)
NAME IP H R ER BB SO
============================== ==== == == == == ==
Bryan Henry W (6-2) 7.0 4 1 1 1 3
Brian Chambers 0.1 2 1 0 0 1
Kevin Lynch 0.2 0 0 0 0 0
Hunter Jones 1.0 0 0 0 0 2
===================
FSU 9.0 6 2 1 1 6
Opp L 9.0 9 7 7 6 6
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida State | ||||||||||||
| Maryland |
COLLEGE PARK, MD - The 15th-ranked Florida State baseball team is heating up at the right time. The Seminoles won their fourth straight game and their sixth game in the last seven as they secured the series win over Maryland 8-1 Saturday night. Gibbs Chapman went 4-for-5 with his second home run of the series and Shane Robinson went 3-for-3 with a lead-off homer and two steals as he became just the fifth Seminole ever to swipe 40 or more bases in a season. Barret Browning (4-3) pitched five strong innings throwing just 58 pitches in garnering the win. The win moved the Seminoles to 40-14 on the season and 14-9 in the ACC.
Nine different Seminoles recorded hits as FSU pounded Terrapin pitching for 14 hits. The Seminoles scored six runs in the first three innings and cruised to the victory. Maryland collected just five hits against three different Seminole pitchers.
The game could not have started off any better for the Seminoles against Maryland left-hander Chris Bowen (2-4) as Robinson led off the game with his third home run of the season. It was the second time this season that Robinson led off the game with a homer and it was his first home run since mid-March against Virginia Tech. Chapman followed with a single into shallow center and then a perfectly executed hit and run put runners on the corners. Danny Wardell then drove in FSU's second run on a sac bunt up the first base line allowing Chapman to score easily.
Florida State went right back to work in the second. After a fly out, Ryne Jernigan and Tony Thomas, Jr. recorded back-to-back singles. Robinson then drove another run home as he singled in Jernigan making it a 3-0 game. The Seminoles fourth straight single, this one by Ryne Malone, made it a 4-0 game and kept runners on the corners. The trend continued as Chapman slotted another single through the right side making it 5-0.
With Brant Peacher's one out single in the third, FSU equaled its number of hits from the entire game the night before with nine. An error allowed Jack Rye to reach and got Peacher down to third where Jernigan then drove the run home on a sac fly to left field.
Back-to-back walks, the first of the game by Browning, brought Matt DiBlasi into the game to try and end the first Terp threat of the evening. A fielder's choice got the runner at second and left UMD with Terps on the corners. A ground ball to third gave FSU it's second out of the inning but it also broke up the shutout as the runner from third came home making it a 6-1 game.
Chapman was back at it in the ninth as the senior hit a solo shot out of Shipley Field making it a 7-1 game. It was his team-leading eighth homer and gave Chapman his sixth hit in 10 at bats in two games. Florida State tagged on another run thanks to Ruairi O'Connor who dropped a ball into right field scoring pinch runner Ryan Strauss all the way from first base with the final run.
The Seminoles conclude their series with Maryland Sunday at 1:00 p.m. Florida State will return home for two midweek games against Stetson. The games will both be played at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday.
NAME POSITION AB R H RBI BB SO PO A
======================= ======== == == == === == == == ==
Shane Robinson CF 3 2 3 2 2 0 0 0
Ryne Malone 3B 4 0 1 1 1 1 1 4
Gibbs Chapman LF 5 2 4 2 0 1 4 0
Aaron Cheesman C 4 0 1 0 1 0 4 0
Ryan Strauss PR 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0
Danny Diaz C 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
Danny Wardell 1B 4 0 0 1 0 2 7 0
Brant Peacher DH 3 1 1 0 0 1 0 0
Josh Spivey PH-DH 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Jack Rye RF 3 0 1 0 1 0 3 0
Ruairi O'Connor PH-RF 1 0 1 1 0 0 1 0
Ryne Jernigan SS 4 1 1 1 0 1 2 2
Tony Thomas 2B 3 1 1 0 1 1 4 2
Barret Browning P 0 1
Matt DiBlasi P 0 0
Michael Hyde P 0 0
========================
FSU 36 8 14 8 6 7 27 9
Opp 31 1 5 1 3 5 27 12
E - Opp-1
2B - Opp-2
HR - FSU-Shane Robinson (3), Gibbs Chapman (8)
HBP - Opp-1
SH - FSU-Danny Wardell (2)
SF - FSU-Ryne Jernigan (3)
SB - FSU-Shane Robinson 2 (40), Ryne Malone (8)
CS - FSU-Shane Robinson (4), Jack Rye (2)
NAME IP H R ER BB SO
============================== ==== == == == == ==
Barret Browning W (4-3) 5.0 3 1 1 2 2
Matt DiBlasi 3.0 2 0 0 1 2
Michael Hyde 1.0 0 0 0 0 1
===================
FSU 9.0 5 1 1 3 5
Opp L 9.0 14 8 7 6 7
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida State | ||||||||||||
| Maryland |
COLLEGE PARK, MD - It has been almost a year since the Seminoles swept an ACC road series but thanks to the longest outing of the year by starter Mark Sauls (6-1) and RBIs from four different players, No. 15 FSU completed its road sweep of Maryland 4-2 Sunday. The Seminoles pounded out 11 more hits and Tyler Chambliss picked up his 13th save as the Seminoles (41-14, 15-9) held off a late rally and coupled with Clemson's loss at Virginia Tech, they moved into fourth place in the ACC. It was the 24th straight win for FSU over the Terps.
"We were very lucky to win this ballgame today," said FSU head coach Mike Martin. "Maryland had the winning run at the plate in the ninth inning against a guy that leads the conference in saves. I think you have to give a lot of credit to Maryland for showing a lot of fight today. We were very fortunate. We were very challenged. Things just happened to go our way today and this weekend."
The Seminoles got their third straight solid outing from a starting pitcher Sunday as Sauls went seven innings and allowed just one run on four hits. Seminole pitchers allowed just five runs all weekend and the staff ERA was just 1.33. FSU pitchers walked just seven batters and struck out 18 in the three games.
"We did pitch very well this weekend," said Martin. "All three starters did a good job. They gave us a chance to avoid going to our bullpen too early, which hasn't always been the case. I was very happy with the way all three starters pitched."
Shane Robinson once again got things started in the first for FSU as he lined the first pitch of the game back up the middle but two deep fly ball outs to right almost got Terp starter Chris Clem (2-7) out of the inning. Aaron Cheesman then came up with two outs and doubled over the right fielder's head scoring Robinson from first. It was just the second extra base hit for Cheesman of his last 33 hits.
Jack Rye led off the second with a single and Josh Spivey followed with another hit. Rye tried to make it to third on the infield single but he slipped between second and third and was thrown out at third. A wild pitch moved Spivey to second and Tony Thomas, Jr. drove him home on a double down the left field line making it a 2-0 game. Ryne Malone then added to the two-out rally as he singled up the middle pushing across the third run for FSU.
Florida State added to the lead in the fifth thanks to the Terp killer Gibbs Chapman. The outfielder led the inning off with his seventh hit as he doubled down the first base line. Cheesman moved him over to third and then a Wardell sac fly made it a 4-0 game.
The Terrapins broke up the shutout with a two out extra base hit in the bottom of the fifth. Elliot Singletary rocked a two-out double off the wall in left scoring the runner from first and making it a 4-1 game.
Maryland, who avoided sweeps versus Miami and Georgia Tech, tried to do the same to FSU with a ninth inning rally as the Terps put two on with one away versus ace closer Chambliss. After recording the second out on his second K, an infield single loaded the bases bringing the winning run to the plate. A wild pitch cut the lead to 4-2 and moved the tying run into scoring position but Chambliss' third strike out ended the threat and the game.
Florida State will return home for two midweek games against Stetson. The games will both be played at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday. Game Tracker will be available for all this year's games along with Steve Melewski's live radio broadcast available on WFLA locally and on the Internet at seminoles.com.
NAME POSITION AB R H RBI BB SO PO A
======================= ======== == == == === == == == ==
Shane Robinson CF 4 1 2 0 0 0 2 0
Ryne Malone 3B 5 0 1 1 0 2 1 3
Gibbs Chapman LF 5 1 1 0 0 1 2 0
Aaron Cheesman C 3 0 2 1 0 0 7 1
Danny Wardell 1B 3 0 1 1 0 0 6 1
Jack Rye RF 3 0 1 0 0 0 0 0
Ruairi O'Connor PH 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Ryan Strauss RF 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Josh Spivey DH 3 1 1 0 0 0 0 0
Brant Peacher PH 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Ryne Jernigan SS 4 0 1 0 0 0 3 2
Tony Thomas 2B 4 1 1 1 0 1 4 3
Mark Sauls P 2 1
Kevin Lynch P 0 0
Tyler Chambliss P 0 0
========================
FSU 36 4 11 4 0 4 27 11
Opp 34 2 6 1 3 7 27 8
E - Opp-2, FSU-Ryne Jernigan (17), Tony Thomas 2 (11)
2B - Opp-1, FSU-Gibbs Chapman (10), Aaron Cheesman (8), Tony Thomas (10)
3B - FSU-Shane Robinson (3)
HBP - FSU-Shane Robinson (8)
SH - FSU-Aaron Cheesman (6)
SF - FSU-Danny Wardell (3)
SB - FSU-Gibbs Chapman (17), Brant Peacher (2)
CS - Opp-1
NAME IP H R ER BB SO
============================== ==== == == == == ==
Mark Sauls W (6-1) 7.0 4 1 1 2 2
Kevin Lynch 1.0 0 0 0 0 2
Tyler Chambliss Sv(13) 1.0 2 1 1 1 3
===================
FSU 9.0 6 2 2 3 7
Opp L 9.0 11 4 4 0 4
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida State | ||||||||||||
| Maryland |
TALLAHASSEE, FL - It wasn't as lopsided as the final score indicated but the 11th-ranked FSU baseball team will take it. The Seminoles, now 42-14 on the year and tied for the most victories in the nation, picked up their sixth straight win and have now won eight of their last nine games thanks to Tuesday night's 9-5 victory over Stetson. Three Seminoles had multi-RBI games and Brian Chambers (2-0) picked up the win thanks to his one inning of relief work. Tyler Chambliss came in and hammered home the win as he picked up his 14th save of the year and moved into first place all alone as the NCAA's saves leader.
"That was a very good ballgame for us," said FSU head coach Mike Martin. "I thought we showed a lot of poise. When you go ahead of someone 5-0 and then they come back and tie it up, it shows a lot about the character of this team to get the win."
The Seminoles were led by Ryne Malone offensively who went 3-for-3 with three runs scored and two RBIs as he reached base all five times he came up thanks to two walks. Gibbs Chapman tied a career high with two doubles in the game and his two RBIs increased his team leading total to 53. Senior captain Aaron Cheesman drove in two runs and increased his streak to 35 at bats without a strikeout.
The talk of the night was Chambliss though. The sophomore came in and threw 1 1/3, allowed one hit and struck out one in picking the save. He lowered his ERA to 1.69 on the season and he has now struck out 38 batters and issued just eight walks. Chambliss is just four saves away from tying the FSU single season record set by Mac Scarce in 1971.
"What Tyler is doing is very impressive," said Martin. "He has done an outstanding job for us. Tyler enjoys getting out there and competing and he has played a big role in the success our team has enjoyed this year."
"It was a goal of mine coming into the year to lead the ACC and the nation in saves," said Chambliss. "I am trying not to get caught up in the chase but I have people letting me know how the other guys are doing."
After FSU starter Hunter Jones set down the Hatters in the top of the first, Shane Robinson opened the game with his 23rd double of the season. The All-American candidate moved to third on a passed ball and then after getting ahead of Malone 0-2, Hatter starter Cy McCuen walked the sophomore to put runners on the corners. McCuen then walked Chapman on four straight pitches to load the bases. A wild pitch made it a 1-0 game and then a Cheesman sac fly put FSU up 2-0. Another sac fly, this one off the bat of Danny Wardell, made it a 3-0 game heading into the second inning.
The Seminoles added to their lead in the second. Tony Thomas, Jr. drew a walk and swiped second. Malone then laced a double down the right field line putting FSU up 4-0 and ending McCuen's night. Florida State went right back on the attack versus new hurler Kevin Ferguson (0-1) as Chapman laced a double off the screen in center field scoring Malone and making the score 5-0.
Chris Johnson opened off the fourth by lacing a line drive just over the fence in left and cutting the score to 5-1. An error and a double put runners on second and third with just one away as the Hatters tried to rally. Jones' second strikeout of the frame and fourth of the game moved FSU one out away from ending the top of the fourth and the Seminoles then ended the threat on a ground out to short.
Back-to-back singles to start the fifth gave Stetson runners on the corners with nobody away. Jones got out of the jam though as he fanned his fifth and sixth batters and then got out of the inning on a fly ball to center field.
Stetson cut into the lead in the sixth thanks to a two-out RBI from nine-hole hitter Adam Tindle. The left fielder's single plated Brian Bocock making it a 5-2 game. Another hard hit up the middle put runners on the corners for the Hatters as Jones looked for that final out but Martin wasted little time calling Kevin Lynch in from the bullpen.
"It is a shame that Hunter did not get the decision because he pitched well enough to get the win," said Martin. "He is making it a tough decision when it comes to who will start this Sunday because Hunter pitched very well tonight."
Lynch, making his 125th career appearance, walked the bases loaded and unlike six of the previous seven times where he got out of the jam unscathed, Lynch gave up a two-out, two-run RBI single. With the game suddenly 5-4, Lynch walked the next batter on four straight pitches to load the bases once again. Matt DiBlasi then came in and relieved Lynch and got FSU out of the jam on a ground out keeping FSU in the lead.
Brian Chambers opened the seventh and got the first two batters he faced before giving up a solo home run to David Golliner tying the game at 5-5.
Malone opened the bottom of the seventh with a walk after nearly breaking the tie with a mammoth home run blast that just went foul down the right field line. Chapman then brought Malone home tying a career high with his second double of the game. Cheesman sacrificed Chapman to third and then Wardell walked putting runners on the corners for Jack Rye who gave FSU a little breathing room with a sac fly making it a 7-5 game.
Barrett Browning opened the top of the eighth on the hill for FSU and hit the first batter with his first pitch. After getting the next batter swinging, a single through the left side had Stetson looking like it was in business but new right fielder Ryan Strauss charged the ball and came up firing, gunning down the runner at third for the second out. Chambliss entered the game and then closed out the eighth.
"That was a big opportunity for Ryan and he certainly took advantage of it," said Martin. "That was a big play in the game."
FSU got some more breathing room in the bottom of the eighth. Singles by Ryne Jernigan and Robinson put two on for Malone who knocked in another run with a single to center making it an 8-5 game. Stetson brought in their fourth pitcher of the game but the Hatters couldn't stop the bleeding as another single, this one from Cheesman, drove in another FSU run making it 9-5.
Florida State will conclude its four game series with Stetson Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. and then welcome in ninth-ranked North Carolina (36-10-1, 15-6) for the final home ACC series of the year. Game Tracker will be available for all this year's games along with Steve Melewski's live radio broadcast available on WFLA locally and on the Internet at seminoles.com.
NAME POSITION AB R H RBI BB SO PO A
======================= ======== == == == === == == == ==
Shane Robinson CF 5 2 2 0 0 0 4 0
Ryne Malone 3B 3 3 3 2 2 0 1 2
Gibbs Chapman LF 4 2 2 2 1 0 0 0
Aaron Cheesman C 3 0 1 2 0 0 9 2
Danny Wardell 1B 3 0 0 1 1 0 11 0
Jack Rye RF 3 0 2 1 0 0 1 0
Ryan Strauss RF 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
Josh Spivey DH 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0
Brant Peacher PH-DH 2 0 1 0 1 1 0 0
Ryne Jernigan SS 4 1 1 0 0 0 1 5
Tony Thomas 2B 3 1 1 0 1 1 0 3
Hunter Jones P 0 0
Kevin Lynch P 0 0
Matt DiBlasi P 0 0
Brian Chambers P 0 0
Barret Browning P 0 0
Tyler Chambliss P 0 0
========================
FSU 31 9 13 8 6 3 27 13
Opp 38 5 12 5 4 11 24 8
E - FSU-Danny Wardell (1)
2B - Opp-1, FSU-Shane Robinson (23), Ryne Malone (18), Gibbs Chapman 2 (12), Brant Peacher (13)
HR - Opp-2
HBP - Opp-1
SH - FSU-Aaron Cheesman (7)
SF - FSU-Aaron Cheesman (7), Danny Wardell (4), Jack Rye (6)
SB - FSU-Tony Thomas (7)
CS - FSU-Jack Rye (3)
NAME IP H R ER BB SO
============================== ==== == == == == ==
Hunter Jones 5.2 8 4 4 2 7
Kevin Lynch 0.0 1 0 0 2 0
Matt DiBlasi 0.1 0 0 0 0 0
Brian Chambers W (2-0) 1.0 1 1 1 0 2
Barret Browning 0.2 1 0 0 0 1
Tyler Chambliss Sv(14) 1.1 1 0 0 0 1
===================
FSU 9.0 12 5 5 4 11
Opp L 8.0 13 9 9 6 3
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stetson | ||||||||||||
| Florida State |
TALLAHASSEE, FL - The 11th-ranked FSU baseball team completed a four-game series sweep of Stetson Wednesday night with an 8-4 victory but the team's seventh straight win wasn't even the story of the game. Senior reliever Kevin Lynch improved to 8-0 in picking up the win. Freshman Tony Thomas, Jr. came within a double of hitting for the cycle. Florida State was a perfect 7-for-7 in steals. Gibbs Chapman had three more RBIs and his ninth home run but it was once again Shane Robinson who stole the spotlight. The sophomore recorded his 100th hit of the season becoming the first player in America to reach triple digits in hits as FSU improved to 43-14 on the year.
"I think it is pretty neat to be in the 100-hit club," said Robinson following a 2-for-4 night. "I just keep trying to do what I have been doing all season long. I am just going out and taking it one game at a time. I didn't know I was the first player to reach 100 this year. That's pretty special. I just want to try and keep it up and help this team continue to play good baseball."
Robinson not only reached the century mark in hits, he also swiped two bases to move into fourth place all alone on FSU's single season list. His two steals were part of a season-high seven for the Seminoles who saw four of the players who stole a base eventually come around and score.
"You might say we used our legs to win the ballgame tonight," said FSU head coach Mike Martin. "We definitely tried to put pressure on Stetson tonight. We also did a good job after we stole a base of getting a key hit to bring a guy in. That is very encouraging."
"We just picked the right pitches to go on tonight," said Thomas who stole his eighth base of the year. "We had the counts in our favor and we ran on good pitches. We had good jumps and good reads and it helps when you have the counts in your favor."
While Lynch picked up the win with just 1 1/3 innings of work, five total Seminoles took the mound Wednesday night. Michael Hyde started the game and went 4 2/3 and gave up all four runs. The Seminole bullpen combined to strikeout five batters and issue just one walk while not allowing a single earned run.
"Stetson came in hitting .344," said Martin. "They are not a club you expect to hold down and they did get 12 hits tonight. You might say we were very fortunate to hold them to just four runs. Kevin was ready tonight and came in and did a good job."
Just like they did the night before, FSU got off to a fast start against the Hatters and starter Randy Dixon (5-6). Robinson led off the game with a hit for the 33rd time this season and then stole his 41st base. That tied the sophomore with Eric Mangham for fourth place on the single season steals list at FSU. Chapman then came up and drove the run home with a single. The senior outfielder then swiped a base of his own and Aaron Cheesman followed with another single making it a 2-0 game.
Stolen bases and singles once again helped FSU in the second. Thomas turned a two-out single into a run as he swiped second and moved to third on a wild pitch. Robinson then knocked him home on a single through the left side.
Stetson staged a two-out rally of its own in the fourth. A single to shallow right field was followed by a David Golliner homer to left center cutting the FSU lead to one. The Hatters then evened the game at 3-3 on a deep single to left.
The game didn't stay tied for long thanks to another two-out hit. This time it wasn't a single though as Thomas belted his fourth home run of the season to make it a 4-3 game. Three of the freshman's four homers have now come against teams from the A-Sun (Jacksonville and Stetson).
Three straight singles by the Hatters loaded the bases with nobody out in the top of the fifth as Stetson looked to take its first lead of the game. Hyde got two outs on a double play ball but it did allow the Hatters to tie the game at 4-4. Lynch came in to relieve Hyde and moved within one appearance of tying Daniel Hodges for the most appearances in team history as he ended the Stetson half of the fifth.
Chapman then broke the tie in the bottom half of the frame with his ninth home run of the season. The solo shot cleared the fence in right center field and added to the senior's team-leading homer total.
Pinch hitter Brant Peacher drew a walk and swiped second in the sixth. Thomas then came through with another big hit. The freshman's fifth triple of the season brought Peacher home. A walk and a hit by pitch loaded the bases for Chapman who drove another run in on a single off the bag at first. An error on the throw allowed a second run to come in as the Seminole lead grew to 8-4.
Florida State will next welcome in ninth-ranked North Carolina (36-11-1, 15-6-1) for the final home ACC series of the year. Game Tracker will be available for all this year's games along with Steve Melewski's live radio broadcast available on WFLA locally and on the Internet at seminoles.com.
NAME POSITION AB R H RBI BB SO PO A
======================= ======== == == == === == == == ==
Shane Robinson CF 4 2 2 1 1 0 1 0
Ryne Malone 3B 3 0 0 0 1 2 0 3
Gibbs Chapman LF 5 2 3 3 0 0 2 1
Aaron Cheesman C 5 0 2 1 0 1 8 0
Danny Wardell 1B 4 0 1 0 0 1 12 0
Jack Rye RF 4 0 1 0 0 0 0 0
Ryan Strauss PR-RF 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Josh Spivey DH 2 0 0 0 0 2 0 0
Brant Peacher PH-DH 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 0
Ryne Jernigan SS 4 0 0 0 0 1 1 6
Tony Thomas 2B 4 3 3 2 0 1 2 4
Michael Hyde P 0 2
Kevin Lynch P 0 0
Matt DiBlasi P 0 0
Brian Chambers P 1 0
Barret Browning P 0 0
========================
FSU 35 8 12 7 4 8 27 16
Opp 37 4 12 3 3 8 24 4
E - Opp-2
2B - Opp-1
3B - FSU-Tony Thomas (5)
HR - Opp-1, FSU-Gibbs Chapman (9), Tony Thomas (4)
HBP - FSU-Ryne Malone (3)
SB - FSU-Shane Robinson 2 (42), Ryne Malone (9), Gibbs Chapman 2 (19), Brant Peacher (3), Tony Thomas (8)
NAME IP H R ER BB SO
============================== ==== == == == == ==
Michael Hyde 4.2 9 4 4 2 3
Kevin Lynch W (8-0) 1.1 1 0 0 0 1
Matt DiBlasi 1.0 1 0 0 1 2
Brian Chambers 1.0 0 0 0 0 1
Barret Browning 1.0 1 0 0 0 1
===================
FSU 9.0 12 4 4 3 8
Opp L 8.0 12 8 7 4 8
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stetson | ||||||||||||
| Florida State |
TALLAHASSEE, FL - It doesn't seem like there is any challenge Bryan Henry can't overcome. Friday night he squared off versus the best pitcher he has ever started against and another top ten team and all he did was win again. Henry out dueled North Carolina ace Andrew Miller as he became the first FSU pitcher to win five straight games this season improving his record to 7-2. Henry got a lot of help from the FSU offense, which pounded out 15 hits in the 9-4 win, the second-most hits in a game this season. The Seminoles became the first team to ever record double digit hits off Miller as they improved to 44-14 and 16-9 in the ACC with their ninth win in the last 10 games.
"This feels great right now but tomorrow I will get back to work and keep trying to improve on this outing," said Henry. "I just try to go out and throw strikes. Cheese (catcher Aaron Cheesman) just puts his glove up and I try to throw to it.
"This is a huge game for us and hopefully it will set the tone for the rest of the weekend. We didn't play as well as we are capable of but we will come out tomorrow and hopefully play a little better. They are a great team. They hit the ball solid tonight and they will comeback ready to play again tomorrow."
Henry went seven innings and allowed five hits. Of the 10 times a Seminole starting pitcher has gone seven or more innings this season, five times it has been Henry on the mound. He struck out one batter Friday night and issued three walks. He came into the game with just two walks all season in almost 50 innings of ACC play. The two runs he allowed were unearned as FSU committed four errors in the win. Henry not only picked up his seventh win but he dropped his ERA to 1.44, which is the best in the ACC.
"Tonight I was up in the zone," said Henry. "I didn't have really good command but luckily they chased a few pitches and bailed me out. Tonight I was trying to aim a little bit as I started to fall behind. I was a little wild tonight. There was a bunch of energy in the stadium tonight and I got kind of excited and my team bailed me out a little bit."
As good as Henry was, the Seminole offense may have been even better. The 15 hits were the second-most recorded against the UNC staff this season and the marked the fifth straight game in which FSU has recorded double digit hits. The nine runs ranked as the fifth-most the Heels have allowed this season. Florida State's three homers by Tony Thomas, Jr., Ryne Malone and Josh Spivey tied the most homers the Heels have given up in any game and the two homers off Miller were the most he has allowed in a game this season.
Four different Seminoles recorded multi-hit games led by Danny Wardell who had the first four hit game of his career. Malone went 3-for-3 and Shane Robinson and Josh Spivey both went 2-for-2. Malone, Aaron Cheesman and Spivey each collected two RBIs a piece.
"I was obviously happy with the offense tonight," said head coach Mike Martin. "Certainly you are not looking for Tony to hit a home run but Josh Spivey and Ryne are capable of it. We did a lot of things a little uncharacteristic of this club but you have to give North Carolina credit for putting us in that position. They made us do some things we don't usually do so let's give them a lot of credit."
North Carolina took an early lead thanks to a two-out RBI and a Seminole error. After a one-out single, FSU looked to be out of the inning on a tailor-made double play ball but an error resulted in neither an out at second nor first being recorded. Then a two-out bunt single brought the run home.
Mistakes cost FSU again in the bottom of the first. Shane Robinson hit the first Miller (8-2, 5-2) pitch of the game into left field but he was picked off of first. Malone followed with another single but he was thrown out trying to steal second.
FSU started the second with back-to-back hits by Cheesman and Wardell but a ground ball double play hurt the rally but it did move Cheesman to third. After a two-out walk to Brant Peacher, Ryne Jernigan was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Miller got out of the jam though as he caught Thomas looking at a 3-2 strike to end the inning.
For the second consecutive time the Seminoles opened an inning with back-to-back singles as they ran their hit total to six versus Miller. This time it was a costly Carolina error that led to a run. Chapman smashed a ball to second base that was mishandled allowing the tying run to score. A sac bunt RBI by Cheesman then put FSU in front 2-1.
Another Seminole error put UNC in business in the fourth as the Heels looked for the tying run. With a runner on first Jernigan misplayed a bouncer to short allowing the Heels to put runners on the corners. A single up the middle then scored the second unearned run of the night for Carolina.
Florida State tried to answer back with two, one-out singles in the bottom of the fifth. The two hits ran FSU's total to nine, which is the most ever surrendered by Miller in a game. But a double play ended the threat.
After knocking out nine hits in the first five innings, it took just one swing of the bat for the Seminoles to reclaim the lead in the sixth. Thomas put FSU back in front with his fifth home run of the season and his second in two games.
"I am not trying to think too much. I am just trying to put the ball in play and keep a level swing," said Thomas. "When a pitcher makes a mistake I just want to be ready to try and make them pay for it."
Robinson followed the homer by drawing a walk and came home just moments later as Malone went yard over the same fence in right as Thomas making it a 5-2 game. It was the first time this season Miller had given up two homers in a game much less in the same inning. It looked like Miller had given up his third to the next batter when Chapman smashed a shot high off the 30-foot screen in right for a double marking the third extra base hit of the inning. Chapman moved up to third on a wild pitch from new hurler Andrew Carignan and then Cheesman drove him home on a ground out as the lead grew to 6-2.
The Seminoles padded the lead in the bottom of the seventh as they loaded the bases with two away against UNC's third pitcher of the night Matt Spencer. Chapman drove in his 57th run of the season on a walk making it a 7-2 game.
Kevin Lynch then entered the game for the 127th time in his career tying Daniel Hodges for the most appearances ever by a Seminole pitcher. The senior's historic moment wasn't the most memorable though as the first batter he faced homered making it a 7-3 game. It was the first homer allowed by Lynch this season and the first earned run he has given up since March 26 at Duke. That was all the runs UNC would get though.
Florida State used the long ball to extend their lead in the eighth. After a double by Wardell, his fourth hit of the night, Spivey went yard with a towering shot, the first of his FSU career. It gave the Seminoles a commanding 9-3 lead. The Heels tacked on a run in the ninth but that was as close as they would get.
Florida State will continue its series with North Carolina (37-12-1, 15-7-1) Saturday at 1:00 p.m. The game will be the ACC Game of the week and shown on Sun Sports and FSNS. Game Tracker will also be available for all this year's games along with Steve Melewski's live radio broadcast available on WFLA locally and on the Internet at seminoles.com.
NAME POSITION AB R H RBI BB SO PO A
======================= ======== == == == === == == == ==
Shane Robinson CF 2 2 2 0 3 0 6 1
Ryne Malone 3B 3 2 3 2 1 0 3 0
Gibbs Chapman LF 4 1 1 1 1 0 2 0
Aaron Cheesman C 4 0 1 2 0 0 4 0
Danny Wardell 1B 4 1 4 0 1 0 4 0
Jack Rye RF 3 0 1 0 1 0 3 0
Ryan Strauss RF 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 0
Brant Peacher DH 2 0 0 0 1 1 0 0
Josh Spivey PH-DH 2 1 2 2 0 0 0 0
Ryne Jernigan SS 4 0 0 0 0 1 1 1
Nick Francis SS 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1
Tony Thomas 2B 4 2 1 1 1 3 2 1
Bryan Henry P 0 1
Kevin Lynch P 0 0
Matt DiBlasi P 0 0
Brian Chambers P 0 0
Barret Browning P 0 0
========================
FSU 33 9 15 8 9 6 27 5
Opp 37 4 9 4 4 4 24 14
E - Opp-1, FSU-Ryne Jernigan 3 (20), Nick Francis (5)
2B - Opp-1, FSU-Gibbs Chapman (13), Danny Wardell (8)
HR - Opp-1, FSU-Ryne Malone (5), Josh Spivey (1), Tony Thomas (5)
HBP - FSU-Ryne Malone (4), Ryne Jernigan (7)
SH - FSU-Aaron Cheesman (8)
CS - FSU-Ryne Malone (6), Danny Wardell (2)
NAME IP H R ER BB SO
============================== ==== == == == == ==
Bryan Henry W (7-2) 7.0 5 2 0 3 1
Kevin Lynch 0.2 2 1 1 1 2
Matt DiBlasi 0.1 0 0 0 0 1
Brian Chambers 0.1 2 1 1 0 0
Barret Browning 0.2 0 0 0 0 0
===================
FSU 9.0 9 4 2 4 4
Opp L 8.0 15 9 8 9 6
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | ||||||||||||
| Florida State |
TALLAHASSEE, FL - Ryne Malone had never hit a walk-off home run in his life. Not in little league, not in high school and not in his two years at FSU. That was until Saturday. With the Seminoles trailing by two runs in the ninth and nobody on base FSU was down to its last strike but back-to-back hits brought the biggest Tar Heel killer in the land to the plate. Ryne Malone, who came into his last at bat hitting .590 and slugging 1.318 in his career against UNC, blasted a three-run shot over the right field fence giving the Seminoles (45-14, 17-9) the series, third-place in the ACC and the first win of the season on a walk-off home run in the 6-5 victory.
"That was the first walk off home run of my life and my parents were here to see it. My dad came on to the field and gave me a big hug," said Malone after his ninth inning heroics. "It was wonderful. I was just fortunate to be in a situation where our nine and one guys both got two-out base hits and the rest is history."
"There is no doubt that was a huge, huge hit," said FSU head coach Mike Martin. "What impressed me the most was the way Ryno (Ryne Malone) was totally in control of himself. (UNC reliever Jonathan) Hovis made a great 0-1 pitch and now Ryno is 0-2. Hovis missed on trying to get him to chase the third pitch then Ryno hit the slider out. It was a moment that I will live with for the next 24 hours and enjoy for every minute but we need to come out tomorrow and play better than we did today. It was a great win for our program though. It couldn't have been scripted any better."
The home run was the 18th career homer for Malone and five have now come against the Heels including two this weekend. In his career, Malone is hitting .609 (14-for-23) and slugging 1.435 against UNC with two doubles and a triple on top of the five homers. He raised his total bases to 33 in just six games versus Carolina.
"I don't know why I have success against North Carolina," said Malone. "It is a big series every year. It seems to always come down to a race between us two for seeding somewhere in the standings. The competition is just incredible and it is such an important game especially when we play here."
For five innings the Seminoles were trailing the Heels and things didn't look any better in the ninth when Hovis quickly retired the first two batters. With two outs, two strikes and nobody on base, Thomas beat out an infield single to third base. Shane Robinson followed with a hit through the left side and that brought up Malone. The sophomore was 5-for-7 in the first two games versus UNC with a homer and a triple. He quickly fell behind Hovis (5-4) 0-2. The Heels had not lost a game all season when entering the ninth inning with a lead. Hovis looked like he was going to make that stat hold up as FSU was down to its last strike of the game before Malone hammered a 1-2 hanging slider over the right field fence for the first walk-off home of the season for FSU.
"He threw a first pitch slider and then a fastball. The pitch I hit out was a slider that hung up in the zone," said Malone. "You really have to credit Tony and Shane. Tony's on base percentage is way up there this season and as soon as Shane got up I knew I would get a shot to hit. It was a good feeling knowing I would have the game in my hands."
"The best thing was that every single Seminole was at the plate as if they had hit the home run," said Martin. "That is what you want. That is overlooked in the game of baseball. The feeling of being part of a team and this group has that."
Kevin Lynch picked up the win on a monumental day in his career. Not only did he improve to 9-0, the second best win total in the ACC, and drop his ERA to 1.98, but he also became FSU's all-time leader in career appearances and relief appearances. The senior passed Daniel Hodges with the 128th appearance of his career.
"I couldn't have asked for anything else today," said Lynch. "What a great way to break this record. It was a perfect day for all of this to happen.
"I want to credit my coaches for having a lot of confidence in me through my career. They have stuck with me through the ups and downs throughout my career. Even now they keep sending me out there. A lot of people get down on themselves but 128 ballgames later I still believe in myself."
For the sixth straight game the Seminoles pounded out 10 or more hits. It was the third time this season FSU has put together a streak of six straight games with double digit hits. Malone led the way going 3-for-5 with five of the team's six RBIs. It was his second five-RBI game of the season. Robinson collected two hits as well improving his average to .446 on the year.
The Tar Heels got off to a quick start versus FSU starter Mark Sauls who had another solid outing despite a rough start to the game. The junior went 6 2/3 allowing eight hits and five runs four of which were earned. Two came in the first inning as Carolina put runners on first and second with two away but a hard hit double off the wall in left field by Jay Cox made it an early 2-0 lead for UNC.
For the 35th time in 59 games this season Robinson led off a game by getting on base. He laced a double off the wall in right to start the bottom of the first versus UNC starter Robert Woodard. A long fly out moved Robinson to third and then the Player of the Year candidate tried to swipe home and almost pulled it off as he was called out on a very close play at the plate.
Thomas got on base in the third due to just the 11th walk of the season by Woodard. Robinson then drew another walk putting runners on first and second with one away. Malone then continued to torture the Heels as he laced a triple into the right field corner tying the game at 2-2. It gave Malone four hits in his first five at bats this weekend. Gibbs Chapman then put FSU in the lead with a single into shallow right field scoring Malone with the third run of the game.
The fifth error of the series by the Seminoles put Carolina in position to tie the game. Chad Flack singled and stole second but an errant throw allowed the first baseman to get to third with just one away. A ground out brought the tying run home for UNC and then a single into right field gave the Heels a 4-3 lead.
Another Seminole miscue allowed Carolina to push the lead to 5-3. With two outs and a runner on second, a chopper to third bounced past Malone and into left field. It was the sixth error committed by FSU in the two games but Matt DiBlasi and Lynch kept UNC at bay the rest of the way.
Florida State will conclude its series with North Carolina (37-13-1, 15-8-1) Sunday at 1:00 p.m. Florida State's four seniors will be honored with a ceremony before first pitch. Fans are asked to come to Mike Martin Field early to help us honor Gibbs Chapman, Danny Wardell, Kevin Lynch and Aaron Cheesman. Game Tracker will be available for all this year's games along with Steve Melewski's live radio broadcast available on WFLA locally and on the Internet at seminoles.com.
NAME POSITION AB R H RBI BB SO PO A
======================= ======== == == == === == == == ==
Shane Robinson CF 4 2 2 0 1 2 1 0
Ryne Malone 3B 5 2 3 5 0 0 0 1
Gibbs Chapman LF 4 0 1 1 0 2 3 0
Aaron Cheesman C 4 0 1 0 0 0 5 0
Danny Wardell 1B 4 0 0 0 0 0 8 0
Jack Rye RF 3 0 2 0 1 0 3 0
Josh Spivey DH 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Ryne Jernigan SS 4 0 0 0 0 1 4 4
Tony Thomas 2B 2 2 1 0 2 0 3 3
Mark Sauls P 0 2
Matt DiBlasi P 0 0
Kevin Lynch P 0 0
========================
FSU 34 6 10 6 4 5 27 10
Opp 34 5 8 4 2 5 26 6
E - FSU-Ryne Malone (4), Aaron Cheesman (4)
2B - Opp-2, FSU-Shane Robinson (24), Jack Rye (10)
3B - FSU-Ryne Malone (3)
HR - FSU-Ryne Malone (6)
SB - Opp-2, FSU-Gibbs Chapman (20)
CS - FSU-Shane Robinson (5)
NAME IP H R ER BB SO
============================== ==== == == == == ==
Mark Sauls 6.2 8 5 4 2 3
Matt DiBlasi 1.1 0 0 0 0 2
Kevin Lynch W (9-0) 1.0 0 0 0 0 0
===================
FSU 9.0 8 5 4 2 5
Opp L 8.2 10 6 6 4 5
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | ||||||||||||
| Florida State |
TALLAHASSEE, FL - For the second straight day the 11th-ranked Florida State baseball team got a walk-off hit to upset the eighth-ranked Tar Heels. Senior catcher Aaron Cheesman singled home the game-winning run in the bottom of the 11th inning on senior day to complete FSU's sweep of North Carolina. It was the first three-game series sweep of a ranked opponent for Florida State (46-14, 18-9) this season and it was also the first time UNC had been swept in an ACC series since Carolina visited Tallahassee in 2001. It was the team's 10th straight win and the Seminoles' 46 wins are more than they totaled in all of 2004 when the team made it to Super Regionals.
"It is weird how this season reminds me of the 2002 season when we won 60 games and went on a 25-game winning streak," said Cheesman. "We really got hot at the right time and secured a No. 1 seed. It seems to be playing out the same way this year. Our guys are just getting better each week and just playing baseball."
"For Aaron to get that hit on senior day was very fitting," said FSU head coach Mike Martin. "He means so much to our program. I am so happy for him."
The walk-off single capped a four-run comeback as the Seminoles fell behind Carolina 6-2 in the fourth inning. Despite leaving a season-high 19 runners on base, Florida State fought back thanks to the brilliant work of the Seminole bullpen that shut the Heels down for seven straight innings setting the stage for the comeback.
"I think we showed our character when we fell behind by four runs with (UNC starter Daniel) Bard on the mound. Gosh that is a good looking arm. Bard pitched extremely well," said Martin. "What we did really showed me a lot. I was impressed with the poise and perseverance we showed. I'll tell you what it was one of the best weekends of record because so much was riding on this."
"We don't quit. This team works hard," said Cheesman. "We come out early and do the little things to get better each week. We aren't satisfied. I am real proud of our guys. We go down 6-2 and haven't played particularly well on Sundays. We have been preaching all year we need to sweep opponents. Our guys kept battling to keep us in position to win this game. It was a total team effort to comeback and sweep this series from a great Carolina team."
Tyler Chambliss (6-3) equaled a career high with 3 1/3 innings of work as he picked up the win. Overall, the Seminole pen pitched eight innings, allowed one run, struck out eight batters and issued just two walks. Barret Browning had another strong outing out of the pen as he went 3 2/3 and held the Heels scoreless.
"Our bullpen did a great job," said Martin. "We held them scoreless for seven straight innings after they went up 6-2. That is impressive because Carolina is a good offensive club. Barret really kept us in the ballgame and I like what he gives us out of the pen."
Both starters cruised through the first two innings combining to allow just two hits and five strikeouts. The Heels put together the first threat of the game together in the top of the third when the first two batters reached off FSU starter Hunter Jones. With the Seminole corners pinching in for a sac bunt, the Heels pulled off the double steal putting both runners in scoring position. Jones got the first out on a sac fly that made it a 1-0 game. A single to left by Justin Webb brought another run home as UNC broke on top 2-0 for the second straight day.
Shane Robinson and Ryne Malone both singled with one out in the third as FSU looked to answer the Heels' top of the inning. Gibbs Chapman cut the lead in half with FSU's third straight single putting runners on the corners in the 2-1 game. A Cheesman sacrifice fly tied up the game at 2-2.
Carolina's Seth Williams led off the fourth with a base hit, his second of the game, and he moved into scoring position on a wild pitch. Another UNC base hit put runners on the corners with nobody out. Jones' second walk of the game loaded the bases with FSU still searching for the first out. Brian Chambers came into the game and lost the lead on a wild pitch making the score 3-2 before issuing another FSU walk to load the bases again. A fielder's choice ground out extended the lead to 4-2 with runners still on the corners. A ground out and another single drove in two more runs putting the Heels up 6-2 with the four run fourth.
Browning opened the fifth on the mound but the Tar Heels continued to have success against the FSU pitching staff. A single, a walk and a steal put runners on second and third with just one away in the inning but a strikeout and ground out quickly ended the threat.
Bard opened the bottom of the fifth by walking the first two batters he faced but a strikeout and fielder's choice looked like it ended the threat as FSU had runners on the corners with two away. Bard walked the bases loaded though but FSU could not cash in as a ground out ended the threat.
Defensive replacement Nick Francis drew a one out walk in the sixth and Tony Thomas, Jr. singled as FSU tried to get something going versus Bard. The hurler's fifth walk of the day loaded the bases for Malone who was 15-for-25 in two seasons against UNC. The sophomore delivered once again as he doubled to the right field corner making it a 6-4 game. New Heel hurler Matt Danford hit Chapman to load the bases for the third time in two innings. Cheesman then recorded his second sac fly of the game cutting the Carolina lead to 6-5.
Malone got on base for the fifth time on the day to lead off the bottom of the eighth thanks to an errant throw that allowed the sophomore to go all the way to second. Chapman was then hit by a pitch to put two runners on with nobody away. Cheesman's third sacrifice of the day moved both runners into scoring position as Wardell drove in the tying run on a ground out to third.
Florida State tried to repeat Saturday's game with a walk-off hit in the ninth as a bunt single and a hit by pitch put runners on with nobody out. Malone then sacrificed both runners over before an intentional walk loaded the bases. Cheesman couldn't drive the winning run in though as he grounded into an inning ending double play.
"With bases loaded there is a force at the plate so we aren't looking to bunt," said Martin. "Aaron handles the bat well and stays composed as you saw in the 11th."
"I just didn't make a good swing on it," said Cheesman who came to the plate with the bases loaded three times in the game. "It was a great pitch to hit but he jammed me. Coach Martin has all the trust in the world in his players and he leaves it up to us to win games."
Carolina put runners on the corners with just one away in the top of the tenth as they looked to avoid a series sweep but ace closer Chambliss recorded back-to-back K's with runners on second and third to end the threat.
Francis led off the 11th with an infield single off new pitcher Tyler Trice. Thomas then sacrificed Francis to second. After Robinson was intentionally walked, the Heels got Malone to pop up for the second out. A wild pitch moved the winning run 90 feet away. A walk to Chapman loaded the bases once more setting the stage for Cheesman's heroics as he looped a shot into shallow center driving in the winning run.
Florida State will wrap-up the home portion of its 2005 schedule Tuesday night against Jacksonville. It may be the last time fans will have a chance to see the 2005 FSU baseball team play at Mike Martin Field. Game Tracker will be available for all this year's games along with Steve Melewski's live radio broadcast available on WFLA locally and on the Internet at seminoles.com.
NAME POSITION AB R H RBI BB SO PO A
======================= ======== == == == === == == == ==
Shane Robinson CF 3 2 1 0 3 0 5 1
Ryne Malone 3B 5 2 2 2 1 0 0 2
Gibbs Chapman LF 3 0 1 1 2 1 0 0
Aaron Cheesman C 4 0 1 3 0 0 12 0
Danny Wardell 1B 4 0 0 1 1 2 8 1
Jack Rye RF 5 0 1 0 1 1 2 1
Josh Spivey DH 4 0 2 0 0 0 0 0
Ryan Strauss PR 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Brant Peacher PH 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0
Ruairi O'Connor PR-DH 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Ryne Jernigan SS 2 0 0 0 0 1 1 0
Nick Francis SS 2 2 1 0 2 0 1 4
Tony Thomas 2B 5 1 2 0 0 2 4 4
Hunter Jones P 0 0
Brian Chambers P 0 0
Barret Browning P 0 0
Tyler Chambliss P 0 1
========================
FSU 38 7 11 7 11 7 33 14
Opp 41 6 14 5 4 12 32 17
E - Opp-2
2B - Opp-2, FSU-Ryne Malone (19)
HBP - Opp-1, FSU-Shane Robinson (9), Gibbs Chapman 2 (7), Danny Wardell (4)
SH - Opp-1, FSU-Ryne Malone (2), Aaron Cheesman (9), Tony Thomas (8)
SF - Opp-1, FSU-Aaron Cheesman 2 (9)
SB - Opp-3, FSU-Gibbs Chapman (21)
CS - Opp-1
NAME IP H R ER BB SO
============================== ==== == == == == ==
Hunter Jones 3.0 5 5 5 2 4
Brian Chambers 1.0 1 1 1 1 0
Barret Browning 3.2 5 0 0 1 4
Tyler Chambliss W (6-3) 3.1 3 0 0 0 4
===================
FSU 11.0 14 6 6 4 12
Opp L 10.2 11 7 6 11 7
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | ||||||||||||||
| Florida State |
TALLAHASSEE, FL - There is something to be said for getting hot at the right time and if you are the 10th-ranked FSU baseball team, this is the right time. The Seminoles (47-14) picked up their 11th straight victory and cranked out double digit hits for the eighth straight game as they completed a four-game series sweep of Jacksonville (21-30) with a 12-5 win Tuesday night. Kevin Lynch picked up the win in relief as he improved to 10-0 on the season. Shane Robinson led the team offensively with three hits including a home run and a double.
"Our guys approached this game very professionally," said FSU head coach Mike Martin. "We went out there and didn't commit an error and that is the first thing I look for. I love to see a zero in that last column."
Florida State took leads of 2-0 and 5-2 before watching the Dolphins fight back to tie the game on both occasions. But each time JU tied the game FSU answered back immediately in the bottom of the inning. When JU tied the game at 2-2, FSU scored three in the bottom of the fifth. When JU answered back with three in the top of the sixth, FSU went on to score seven unanswered runs in the next three innings.
"After they scored the three runs, it was very important we answered," said Martin. "That was a big lift for our team. The fact that we got seven runs in the last three innings after being tied up is a clear indication of the character of this team."
Lynch pitched 1 1/3 innings in picking up his 10th win of the season. He is now second in the ACC in wins behind Miami's Cesar Carillo. He allowed just one hit and did not give up a run for the 17th time in his last 18 appearances.
"Kevin came in and did a great job again," said Martin. "He faced five hitters and was very effective. He enjoys coming in and pitching. I am very proud of that young man."
Robinson was once again the offensive catalyst for FSU. All three times he led off an inning he recorded a hit including a double and a home run. All three times he came around to score as well. The Player of the Year candidate is now hitting .448 on the year.
"I just am thinking the same thing every time I step up to the plate," said Robinson. "I am trying to not lose focus and just do the same thing I do everyday."
The Seminoles broke on top thanks to a JU error in the bottom of the third. Robinson led off an inning with a hit for the second time in the game, this one his 25th double of the year. Ryne Malone laid down a sac bunt that was thrown away allowing Robinson to score and Malone to make it to second. Aaron Cheesman made it 2-0 and wrote his name into the FSU record books. The senior sacrificed the run home tying the single season sacrifice record with his 19th of the year.
The Dolphins halved the lead in the next inning though. Short stop Matt Lopez hit his first homer of the season just over the left field wall. FSU starter Michael Hyde then gave up his seventh homer of the year in the fifth making it a 2-2 game.
JU starter Neal Frontz (6-6) opened the fifth with back-to-back walks. Cheesman then moved the runners over with his record-breaking 20th sacrifice of the season. Danny Wardell then put down another sac bunt breaking the 2-2 tie. Josh Spivey made it a 4-2 game as he recorded a two-out RBI single into center field. Ryne Jernigan then drove in another run as he popped up a bunt that landed in front of the pitcher. Frontz dove for the ball and knocked it into foul territory as the run came home.
Jacksonville evened up the game with one swing of the bat in the top of the sixth. Hyde gave up a single and a walk before Preston Pehrson victimized the sophomore once again. The Dolphin sophomore sent a two-out pitch over the right field wall making it a 5-5 game with his second blast of the game. It was the first time in 2005 that FSU had given up three homers in a game.
It only took one batter for FSU to retake the lead. Robinson recorded his third hit of the game and his third hit to lead off an inning as he hit a solo homer over the wall in left field. It was his fourth homer of the year. It also gave Robinson his 17th three-hit game and his 36th multi-hit game of the season. Malone wouldn't be out done though as he went yard for the seventh time this season off new JU hurler Ashley Roque. It was the third homer for Malone in his last 14 at bats. It was the first time this season the Seminoles have hit back-to-back home runs as well. Back-to-back singles and a walk loaded the bases up with just one away in the sixth. Then a Roque pitch got away from the catcher. Chapman stopped between third and home but JU catcher Alex Jamieson threw to the plate. The ball sailed over the pitcher who was covering home allowing Chapman to score. Cheesman was thrown out at third on the play for the second out of the frame. Two more walks loaded the bases once again. The fourth straight walk brought another run home for FSU as the lead grew to 9-5.
FSU looked to add to the lead in the seventh. A walk and a single started the bottom half of the inning. A double steal moved both runners into scoring position. Florida State went up 10-5 on a fielder's choice RBI by Cheesman coupled with the Dolphins' fourth error of the night that left runners on the corners. Dennis Guinn then drove in the first RBI of his career on a sac fly.
Pinch hitter Brant Peacher concluded the scoring and made it a 12-5 game as he hit his third homer of the season. It was the eighth of the year for the Seminoles in the four game series with JU.
Florida State will wrap-up the 2005 regular season at No. 22 NC State (37-14). The series is one of three key ACC series between the top six teams in the conference this weekend that will determine final seeding for the ACC Tournament. Florida State can still finish as high as second or as low as sixth. Game Tracker will be available for all this year's games along with Steve Melewski's live radio broadcast available on WFLA locally and on the Internet at seminoles.com.
NAME POSITION AB R H RBI BB SO PO A
======================= ======== == == == === == == == ==
Shane Robinson CF 5 2 3 1 0 1 1 0
Brant Peacher PH 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0
Bryan Henry 3B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Ryne Malone 3B-CF 3 4 1 1 2 2 0 3
Gibbs Chapman LF 4 3 2 0 1 1 6 0
Aaron Cheesman C 2 0 1 2 1 0 3 1
Danny Diaz C 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0
Danny Wardell 1B 2 0 0 1 0 1 8 0
Dennis Guinn PH-1B 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0
Jack Rye RF 1 2 0 0 3 0 0 0
Ruairi O'Connor PH-RF 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Josh Spivey DH 4 0 1 1 1 0 0 0
Ryne Jernigan SS 3 0 2 1 1 0 3 1
Nick Francis PH-SS 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0
Tony Thomas 2B 4 0 1 1 1 0 3 4
Michael Hyde P 0 0
Kevin Lynch P 0 0
Matt DiBlasi P 0 0
Ryan Strauss P 0 0
========================
FSU 31 12 12 10 10 6 27 9
Opp 33 5 8 5 6 6 24 9
E - Opp-4
2B - FSU-Shane Robinson (25)
HR - Opp-3, FSU-Shane Robinson (4), Brant Peacher (3), Ryne Malone (7)
HBP - FSU-Danny Wardell (5)
SH - FSU-Ryne Malone (3), Aaron Cheesman (10), Danny Wardell (3)
SF - FSU-Aaron Cheesman (10), Dennis Guinn (1)
SB - FSU-Shane Robinson (43), Ryne Malone (10), Gibbs Chapman (22)
CS - Opp-1
NAME IP H R ER BB SO
============================== ==== == == == == ==
Michael Hyde 5.2 7 5 5 4 2
Kevin Lynch W (10-0) 1.1 1 0 0 0 1
Matt DiBlasi 1.0 0 0 0 1 1
Ryan Strauss 1.0 0 0 0 1 2
===================
FSU 9.0 8 5 5 6 6
Opp L 8.0 12 12 8 10 6
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville | ||||||||||||
| Florida State |
RALEIGH, NC - The 10th-ranked FSU baseball team is streaking in more ways than one. Florida State won its 12th straight game Thursday night downing No. 22 NC State 8-2. It was the team's eighth straight ACC win and sixth consecutive win over a ranked opponent. Sophomore Bryan Henry (8-2, 5-2) won his sixth straight game as well as he allowed just one run in 6 1/3 innings of work. FSU pounded out 10 hits including a season high four home runs running their record to 48-14 and 19-9 in ACC play. It was Florida State's ninth straight game with double digit hits.
The victory moved FSU within a half game of second place following Miami's loss to Clemson. The Tigers remained tied for third in the ACC with the Seminoles as the three teams are separated by just a half a game in the race for second in the final conference standings.
Danny Wardell opened the scoring in the second inning with his eighth home run of the season. The senior sent a 3-2 offering from NC State starter Gib Hobson (6-2, 3-2) over the wall in left field. Jack Rye followed with another FSU homer, this one over the right field wall. The Seminoles hadn't hit back-to-back homers all year and have now done it in two straight games after Shane Robinson and Ryne Malone went yard in consecutive at bats versus Jacksonville Tuesday.
Aaron Cheesman extended his season best hit streak to 12 games as he led off the fourth with a double to the gap in right. It was one of two hits for the senior in the game. The Seminoles couldn't get the run in though as Cheesman was thrown out at third trying to tag up on a fly ball to left center.
The Wolfpack tried to stage a two-out rally in the sixth. Henry issued his third walk of the game and his sixth in the last two games. Coming into his last two starts Henry had issued just eight walks all season with only two coming in ACC play. Henry got out of the jam though on a foul out.
Wardell opened the seventh with a walk and then a one out single by Josh Spivey put runners on first and second. It was just the fourth hit of the night for the Seminoles. A wild pitch moved both runners into scoring position as FSU looked for a little breathing room. A fly out to shallow right field gave Hobson the second out of the inning and then he ended the threat on a fly ball that traveled close to 370 feet to the warning track in right center.
The Pack started the seventh with an extra base hit as Jake Muyco double to right center. An error on a sac bunt put NC State in business with runners on the corners. Matt Devine laid down the bunt and seemed to knock the ball from Wardell's glove at first but was ruled safe and Henry was charged with the throwing error. A Jonathan Diaz single broke up the shutout making it a 2-1 game. The Seminoles recorded the first out by cutting down the runner at third on an attempted sac bunt and then Kevin Lynch came into the game and put out the fire once again. The senior struck out the first batter he faced on three straight pitches. He then fanned the final batter of the inning.
Robinson, who was 0-for-3 coming into the eighth, led off the inning with a shot over the wall in left field. It was his second homer in the last three games and the third time this season he has led off an inning with a home run. Malone followed with a shot into the gap in left field. That ended the night for reliever Adam McLaurin who gave up the two hits on just two pitches. FSU extended its lead thanks to another Wolfpack error. Gibbs Chapman set down an attempted sac. The pitcher threw the ball away at third allowing Malone to come home and getting Chapman to second. Cheesman then singled through the right side putting runners on the corners as NC State still searched for that first out of the inning. Wardell then smoked a shot down the left field line driving in the fifth run of the game but the senior got hung up trying to stretch it into a double and was put out on the play.
The Seminoles continued to pile it on in the ninth with a two-out rally. Robinson walked and Malone singled setting the stage for Chapman. The senior hit FSU's fourth homer of the game as he sent a shot over the right field wall. It was the first time this season that FSU went yard four times in one game. It was Chapman's team-leading 10th homer of the year and it gave the St. Cloud, FL native 62 RBIs on the season.
Florida State will continue its series at No. 22 NC State (37-15) Friday at 7:00 p.m. The series is one of three key ACC series between the top six teams in the conference this weekend that will determine final seeding for the ACC Tournament. Florida State can still finish as high as second or as low as sixth. Game Tracker will be available for all this year's games along with Steve Melewski's live radio broadcast available on WFLA locally and on the Internet at seminoles.com.
NAME POSITION AB R H RBI BB SO PO A
======================= ======== == == == === == == == ==
Shane Robinson CF 4 2 1 1 1 2 4 0
Ryne Malone 3B 5 2 2 0 0 1 1 0
Gibbs Chapman LF 4 2 1 3 1 1 3 0
Aaron Cheesman C 4 0 2 0 0 1 6 0
Danny Diaz PH-C 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Danny Wardell 1B 3 1 2 2 1 0 7 0
Jack Rye RF 3 1 1 1 1 0 1 0
Ryan Strauss RF 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Josh Spivey DH 4 0 1 0 0 0 0 0
Ryne Jernigan SS 3 0 0 0 0 1 1 3
Tony Thomas 2B 4 0 0 0 0 1 4 4
Bryan Henry P 0 3
Kevin Lynch P 0 0
Matt DiBlasi P 0 0
Brian Chambers P 0 0
========================
FSU 35 8 10 7 4 7 27 10
Opp 30 2 8 2 4 6 27 10
E - Opp-2, FSU-Bryan Henry (8)
2B - Opp-3, FSU-Ryne Malone (20), Aaron Cheesman (9)
HR - FSU-Shane Robinson (5), Gibbs Chapman (10), Danny Wardell (8), Jack Rye (2)
HBP - Opp-1
SH - Opp-2
SF - Opp-1
CS - FSU-Gibbs Chapman (3)
NAME IP H R ER BB SO
============================== ==== == == == == ==
Bryan Henry W (8-2) 6.1 6 1 1 3 3
Kevin Lynch 0.2 0 0 0 0 2
Matt DiBlasi 1.0 0 0 0 0 1
Brian Chambers 1.0 2 1 1 1 0
===================
FSU 9.0 8 2 2 4 6
Opp L 9.0 10 8 7 4 7
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida State | ||||||||||||
| North Carolina State |
RALEIGH, NC - Last weekend it was a walk-off three-run homer that won a key ACC game for FSU. Saturday afternoon the shoe was on the other foot. In a game resumed from Friday night, FSU came back from a 3-1 deficit to take a 4-3 lead only to see No. 22 NC State walk-off with a win thanks to a two-out, three run homer in the bottom of the ninth. The loss was the first for FSU since April 29 and dropped the Seminoles to 48-15 and 19-10 in the ACC. It snapped FSU winning streak at 12 games and their ACC winning streak at eight games.
Matt DiBlasi (1-1) took the loss as his runner was the winning run but ace closer Tyler Chambliss was victimized by the long ball that won the game. It was the 10th home run of the season for Wolfpack first baseman Aaron Bates and it was just the second walk-off loss for FSU this season. The last one came in Hawaii March 11.
Florida State broke on top in the first last night versus NC State sensation Andrew Brackman. Shane Robinson started things off with a walk and he moved to second on a passed ball. A Ryne Malone sac advanced him to third and then a ground out brought the All-American candidate home.
The Seminoles hurt themselves in the bottom of the inning with an error that allowed the tying run to come home. The Wolfpack started the inning with a lead-off double. After recording a fly ball out, the next batter sent a grounder to third. The runner on second took off to third. Instead of tagging the lead runner the throw to first sailed wide of the bag allowing the run to come home and the batter to get to second base. After recording the second out of the inning, the next NC State hitter launched a fly ball to right but Jack Rye slipped on the wet grass and the ball landed in for the two-out RBI double. Another hit, this one a single up the middle, extended the Pack lead to 3-1.
The game was the suspended overnight due to weather and resumed at 12:00 Saturday with new pitchers on the mound for both teams. In the top of the third, FSU tried to cut the NC State lead with a two out rally. Back-to-back singles with an error put runners on second and third and then Aaron Cheesman brought them home. The senior singled off Wolfpack pitcher Matt Payne scoring both runners and tying the game at 3-3.
The Wolfpack looked to answer right back in the bottom of the inning. A single and a bunt base hit put two runners on with nobody out. A pop up and a double play ended the NC State threat as Hunter Jones got out of the jam.
The Seminoles scored another two-out run in the fourth to take the lead. Brant Peacher drew a walk and then Tony Thomas, Jr. sent a two-out double to left field that sliced away from the defender. Peacher was sent all the way home and the throw beat him to the plate but the Wolfpack catcher couldn't hold on to the ball making the score 4-3.
Jones continued to stymie the Pack in the fifth. Despite giving up a lead off double, Jones worked his way out of trouble. He struck out the next two batters and then got a fly out to end the inning with the runner still standing on second base.
NC State tied the game in the seventh. A head's up play on a hit and run kept the Pack out of a double play and then a two-out RBI single off reliever Kevin Lynch tied the game at 4-4.
The game remained tied until the bottom of the ninth. NC State used a lead-off single and a sac bunt to put a runner in scoring position. A single into left led to a play at the plate with the game on the line but a strike by Gibbs Chapman cut down the runner at home preserving the tie and giving FSU its second out of the inning. That brought Stopper of the Year candidate Chambliss into the game. The sophomore hit the first batter he saw on the top of the helmet before surrendering the winning hit.
Florida State will conclude its series at No. 22 NC State (37-14) Saturday at approximately 3:15 p.m. Next up for the Seminoles will be the ACC Tournament in Jacksonville, FL. Live video broadcasts will be available for all ACC Tournament games that are not televised along with Steve Melewski's live radio broadcast available on WFLA locally and on the Internet at seminoles.com.
NAME POSITION AB R H RBI BB SO PO A
======================= ======== == == == === == == == ==
Shane Robinson CF 3 1 0 0 2 1 4 0
Ryne Malone 3B 3 1 2 0 0 0 0 2
Gibbs Chapman LF 4 1 1 1 0 1 0 1
Aaron Cheesman C 4 0 3 2 0 0 7 0
Danny Wardell 1B 4 0 0 0 0 2 7 1
Jack Rye RF 3 0 0 0 1 0 4 0
Brant Peacher DH 3 1 0 0 1 2 0 0
Ryne Jernigan SS 4 0 0 0 0 0 1 1
Tony Thomas 2B 4 0 1 0 0 1 3 2
Mark Sauls P 0 1
Hunter Jones P 0 0
Kevin Lynch P 0 0
Matt DiBlasi P 0 0
Tyler Chambliss P 0 0
========================
FSU 32 4 7 3 4 7 26 8
Opp 37 7 13 6 0 6 27 11
E - Opp-2, FSU-Ryne Malone 2 (6)
2B - Opp-3, FSU-Tony Thomas (11)
HR - Opp-1
HBP - Opp-1
SH - Opp-1, FSU-Ryne Malone (4)
CS - FSU-Ryne Malone (7)
NAME IP H R ER BB SO
============================== ==== == == == == ==
Mark Sauls 1.1 4 3 3 0 1
Hunter Jones 5.1 4 1 1 0 4
Kevin Lynch 0.1 1 0 0 0 0
Matt DiBlasi L (1-1) 1.2 3 1 1 0 1
Tyler Chambliss 0.0 1 2 2 0 0
===================
FSU 8.2 13 7 7 0 6
Opp W 9.0 7 4 2 4 7
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida State | ||||||||||||
| North Carolina State |
RALEIGH, NC - The 10th-ranked Seminole baseball team closed out the 2005 regular season with an 8-3 loss to No. 22 NC State Saturday evening. The Wolfpack (39-15, 17-13) limited the FSU offense to just five hits, three from All-American candidate Shane Robinson, and three runs despite the fact they issued nine walks in the game. Barret Browning (4-4) started the game for FSU and took the loss after giving up five runs in an inning of work. The Seminoles finished the season in fourth place in the conference and will open ACC Tournament play in Jacksonville Wednesday at 4:00 p.m. versus North Carolina.
The Seminoles got off to a good start in the top of the first versus NC State starter Sam Walls. Back-to-back singles put runners on first and second and then a misplayed sac bunt loaded the bases with nobody out in the inning. A bases loaded walk to Aaron Cheesman made it 1-0 and gave the senior his third RBI of the series. A double play helped to stymie the FSU threat but it did push the second run home making it a 2-0 game in the first.
Browning got into some trouble in the bottom of the first as he gave up two singles putting runners on the corners. Then a double down the left field line cut the lead in half and put two runners in scoring position. A passed ball brought in the tying run and then NC State's fourth hit of the frame made it a 3-2 Wolfpack lead.
Things got worse for the Seminoles in the bottom of the second. Not only did lead-off batter Matt Devine hit a solo homer to start the inning but National Player of the Year candidate Robinson slammed into the wall on the play. The sophomore gave the entire Seminole nation a scare as he lay on the field and had to receive medical attention. After about five minutes, he was deemed healthy enough to stay in the game. The nightmare in the outfield continued on the next play though as a diving single to right got passed Jack Rye as he slipped to the ground and the ball rolled all the way to the wall for an NC State triple. The next batter, trying to sac the run home, reached on a bunt single making it a 5-2 game. That ended Browning's day and brought Michael Hyde into the ballgame. The pitching change didn't seem to change FSU's fortunes as two more hits, the second a double, made it a 6-2 game.
For the second straight inning FSU drew a lead off walk, this time to open the fifth. After a fly ball out, Walls sixth walk of the game ended his stint. It was the most walks allowed in a game by any NC State pitcher in 2005. After the second out of the inning, a wild pitch moved both runners into scoring position for pinch hitter Dennis Guinn. The freshman struck out ending the threat.
NC State, who had been held without a run in the third and fourth, put two runners in scoring position in the bottom of the fifth with two outs. Hyde got the final out on a K looking though as the game remained 6-2.
The sixth started off just like the fourth and fifth for FSU with a walk. This time though FSU did move the runner over as Tony Thomas, Jr. was plunked on a 3-1 pitch to put two runners on. Reliever Phillip Davidson (6-3), who picked up the win, got the first out on K then Robinson loaded the bases with a single to shallow center field. A ground out brought in FSU's first run since the first inning and cut the Pack lead to 6-3. That was all the Seminoles could get though as they left their eighth and ninth runners on base.
NC State came right back and got the run back. A Hyde walk started things off. Then a one-out double up the middle brought the runner home following a sac bunt that moved him into scoring position.
FSU put a couple of runners on base in the seventh but with two outs already on the board. A wild pitch put runners on the corners but the Wolfpack's fifth K of the day ended another Seminole threat.
NC State built on their lead in the eighth. Tyler Chambliss, who came into the day having not allowed an extra base hit all season, gave up his second homer on consecutive pitches. After giving up a walk-off homer in the first game Saturday, Chambliss' next pitch in the second was sent over the left field wall for NC State's eighth run.
Bryan Henry (8-2) will open the tournament on the mound for FSU and Mark Sauls will pitch game two. Live video broadcasts will be available for all ACC Tournament games that are not televised along with Steve Melewski's live radio broadcast available on WFLA locally and on the Internet at seminoles.com.
NAME POSITION AB R H RBI BB SO PO A
======================= ======== == == == === == == == ==
Shane Robinson CF 5 1 3 0 0 0 2 0
Ryne Malone 3B-SS 4 1 1 1 1 0 1 1
Gibbs Chapman LF 3 0 0 0 1 0 2 0
Aaron Cheesman C 3 0 1 1 2 0 7 1
Jack Rye RF 3 0 0 0 2 0 1 0
Danny Wardell 1B 2 0 0 0 0 1 2 1
Dennis Guinn PH-1B 3 0 0 0 0 2 3 1
Josh Spivey DH 1 1 0 0 3 0 0 0
Tony Thomas 2B 3 0 0 0 0 2 2 3
Ryne Jernigan SS 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
Nick Francis SS 1 0 0 0 0 1 2 1
Brant Peacher PH 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Bryan Henry 3B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Barret Browning P 0 0
Michael Hyde P 1 0
Matt DiBlasi P 0 0
Kevin Lynch P 0 0
Tyler Chambliss P 0 0
========================
FSU 30 3 5 2 9 6 24 8
Opp 35 8 14 7 3 7 26 9
E - Opp-1, FSU-Nick Francis (6)
2B - Opp-3
3B - Opp-1
HR - Opp-2
HBP - Opp-2, FSU-Tony Thomas (12), Ryne Jernigan (8)
SH - Opp-2, FSU-Gibbs Chapman (8)
NAME IP H R ER BB SO
============================== ==== == == == == ==
Barret Browning L (4-4) 1.0 7 5 4 0 1
Michael Hyde 4.0 5 2 2 1 3
Matt DiBlasi 1.0 1 0 0 0 1
Kevin Lynch 1.0 0 0 0 1 1
Tyler Chambliss 1.0 1 1 1 1 1
===================
FSU 8.0 14 8 7 3 7
Opp W 8.2 5 3 1 9 6
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida State | ||||||||||||
| North Carolina State |
JACKSONVILLE, FL - You had to wonder if karma had finally caught up with the 13th-ranked Seminole baseball team. After winning their last two games versus the 12th-ranked Tar Heels with walk-off hits, it looked like the tables had turned in the opening round of the 2005 ACC Baseball Championship. Florida State seemed to have just completed an opening round tournament win over UNC when ace closer Tyler Chambliss fanned the final Heel batter of the game but a dropped strike three with two outs in the ninth followed by a throwing error allowed the tying run to come home. That couldn't deter FSU (49-16) though as a Tar Heel error in the bottom of the 12th gave the Seminoles their third straight walk-off victory over UNC (40-16-1) in a 3-2 victory.
The winning play came with runners on first and second and nobody out. Aaron Cheesman, who was charged with the throwing error in the ninth that gave the Heels new life, laid down a perfect sac bunt. UNC hurler Matt Danford (4-2) went to third to try and cut down the lead runner but the throw sailed past the third baseman allowing Ryne Malone to come home with the winning run.
"That play in the ninth was very uncharacteristic of myself," said Cheesman. "I was very disappointed in myself after that because the game was over. You have to forget about it and roll through it. I was just hoping to get a chance to do whatever I could do to help the team from that point out.
"We have a bunch of guys that just don't quit. We have a group of guys that really get after it. In my five years, this is a group of guys that enjoy being around each other. We are making teams walk off the field and that is a great way to win."
It was the third straight extra inning game between the two teams in the ACC Tournament. It was also the third straight time in the tournament that the game has been decided by one run. The win moves FSU into the winner's bracket where they will play the winner of the Georgia Tech/Wake Forest game at 7:00 p.m. Thursday.
"This was a well played baseball game on both sides," said FSU head coach Mike Martin. "I was very proud of these young men's perseverance. It was just a game where we got a break there at the end that you would never expect. It was a good job on Cheesman's part in getting the bunt down.
"I admire these young men. Nobody dropped their heads and felt sorry for themselves tonight. They kept plugging away. It was certainly a very good win for our program versus a very good North Carolina team."
Tyler Chambliss (7-3) picked up the win after pitching a season-high four innings. It was his longest outing since going six innings in last year's ACC Tournament in a starting role. The sophomore seemed to have locked up his 15th save in the bottom of the ninth but pitched three more innings after the error to pick up the win. He allowed just two hits.
"Tyler kept us in this ballgame," said Martin. "We have to always remember that this guy right here (Chambliss) went out there and got it done. He went out there and threw a lot of pitches."
"After the ninth inning you just have to shake things off and keep going," said Chambliss. "Things have gone wrong for us before and you just hope the team sticks together like we did tonight. I got comfortable out there and got into a groove. They kept telling me just one more inning but they were going to have to pull me off the mound to get me out of there. I was going to finish this game off."
In a battle between All-ACC first teamers both aces, Robert Woodard for UNC and Bryan Henry for FSU, did not factor in the decision. Henry was in line for his seventh straight win before the ninth inning error extended the game. The sophomore went 6 1/3 and allowed just one run. He struck out three and issued just one walk.
"I thought Bryan had a good outing," said Martin. "North Carolina is not hitting almost .300 as a team by a fluke. Bryan Henry pitched a very good ballgame. He gave up one run. They have seven left-handed pitchers and that put a lot of emphasis on our right-handers to get it done and I thought Bryan got it done tonight."
Neither team could get anything going against two of the best pitchers in the conference through the first four frames. In the top of the fifth Henry issued the first walk of the game putting the lead off runner on for the Heels. A balk moved the runner into scoring position marking the first time since the top of the first that either team had a runner in scoring position. UNC's fourth hit of the game put runners on the corners with nobody out in the inning. A sacrifice fly plated the first run of the game and broke the scoreless tie.
The Tar Heel run seemed to spark the FSU offense, which had been dormant since a hit in the first. Jack Rye, the first hitter in the bottom of the fifth, sent a shot to the warning track in right field but it was hauled in. Josh Spivey then ripped a double down the left field line. Ryne Jernigan sacrificed the runner over and almost beat out the bunt at first. The threat ended on a shot hit deep into the hole at short but UNC just got Tony Thomas, Jr. at first.
Florida State tried to answer with a two-out rally in the sixth. It started with an error and then a walk put a couple runners on. Danny Wardell then came through with a key two-out base hit tying the game at 1-1 as Gibbs Chapman came around from second to score. Rye, who just missed a homer in his previous at bat, broke the tie on his next plate appearance with a double down the line. Woodard then intentionally walked Spivey to load the bases but got out of the jam with his seventh K, tying a career high.
Carolina put the lead off runner on again in the seventh and then a one-out single put two aboard. That ended Henry's day and brought Matt DiBlasi into the game. It took DiBlasi one pitch to end the threat as he got leadoff hitter Greg Mangum to ground into a double play one of three turned by FSU.
Thomas led off the bottom of the seventh with a bunt base hit. Shane Robinson followed by bunting to the exact same spot on the field to the second base side of the first baseman. That gave FSU back-to-back singles putting two on with nobody away. That hit brought UNC reliever Adam Kalkhof into the game and UNC immediately got a big out when Thomas was picked off second. It turned out to be a huge play as Malone singled following the pickoff, which would have given FSU another run. Instead it put runners on the corners with one away. The Seminoles lost another run when a Chapman singled to left field. Robinson had to hold up in case the ball was caught and he was then thrown out at the plate trying to score. New UNC hurler Jonathan Hovis hit Aaron Cheesman to load the bases but came back and ended the threat on a strikeout looking. Florida State recorded four straight hits to open the inning and put the first five batters on base but did not get a run on the board.
"That was an inning you like to forget," said Martin. "I went to (Associate Head Coach) Jamey (Shouppe) and said we got four straight base hits and Cheesman got hit and we don't have anybody in and there are two outs with a man on first and second. It was just one of those innings."
Chambliss came in the ninth and an error put the potential tying run on. A sac and a ground out moved the runner to third with FSU needing just one out to pick up his 15th save. It looked like Chambliss had the save when he struck out the final batter of the game but the ball got away from Cheesman and the throw hit him when FSU tried to complete the strikeout. The error allowed the tying run to come home.
Chambliss held the Heels at bay over the next three innings setting the stage for the walk-off win. Danford walked the lead-off batter and then hit Chapman bringing Cheesman to the plate. The senior then laid down the sac bunt that won the game.
Mark Sauls (6-1, 3.63) will be on the mound for FSU tomorrow. Live video broadcasts will be available for all ACC Tournament games that are not televised along with Steve Melewski's live radio broadcast available on WFLA locally and on the Internet at seminoles.com.
NAME POSITION AB R H RBI BB SO PO A
======================= ======== == == == === == == == ==
Shane Robinson CF 6 0 1 0 0 1 3 0
Ryne Malone 3B 5 1 2 0 1 2 1 3
Gibbs Chapman LF 5 1 1 0 0 1 3 0
Aaron Cheesman C 3 1 0 0 1 1 5 0
Danny Wardell 1B 5 0 1 1 0 2 16 0
Jack Rye RF 3 0 1 1 0 0 2 0
Ryan Strauss RF 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 0
Josh Spivey DH 3 0 1 0 2 1 0 0
Ryne Jernigan SS 3 0 1 0 0 2 3 6
Tony Thomas 2B 5 0 1 0 0 2 2 9
Bryan Henry P 0 0
Matt DiBlasi P 0 0
Tyler Chambliss P 1 0
========================
FSU 40 3 9 2 4 13 36 18
Opp 43 2 9 1 2 6 33 9
E - Opp-3, FSU-Aaron Cheesman (5), Danny Wardell (2), Tony Thomas (12)
2B - Opp-1, FSU-Jack Rye (11), Josh Spivey (4)
HBP - FSU-Gibbs Chapman (8), Aaron Cheesman (7)
SH - Opp-1, FSU-Aaron Cheesman (11), Ryne Jernigan 2 (8)
SF - Opp-1
NAME IP H R ER BB SO
============================== ==== == == == == ==
Bryan Henry 6.1 7 1 1 1 3
Matt DiBlasi 1.2 0 0 0 0 0
Tyler Chambliss W (7-3) 4.0 2 1 0 1 3
===================
FSU 12.0 9 2 1 2 6
Opp L 11.0 9 3 0 4 13
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | |||||||||||||||
| Florida State |
JACKSONVILLE, FL - For six and a half innings it looked like the Florida State pitching staff, namely Mark Sauls, had corralled the potent Georgia Tech offense. But the reliable Seminole bullpen was unable to hold on to the 4-0 lead as they gave up five runs in the bottom of the seventh sinking No. 13 Florida State's (49-17) upset bid 5-4 and sending the Seminoles into the loser's bracket at the ACC Baseball Championship in Jacksonville, FL where they will meet Wake Forest tomorrow at 7:00 p.m.
"Obviously you have to credit Georgia Tech," said FSU head coach Mike Martin. "They did a great job of battling back. They did what they have done most of the year. They are a very good offensive and defensive team with good pitching. They are one of the best teams in the country in my opinion. They are a beautiful baseball team and they did a great job.
"I am very proud if not the proudest of any team I have ever coached at Florida State. This team plays with heart and character. It is a tough one but you can't dwell on it. You have to be ready to go tomorrow. You can't feel sorry for yourself."
Sauls was brilliant in allowing just three hits and no runs in six innings to the seventh-ranked Jackets but the usually stellar Seminole pen couldn't reel in the win for the junior who remained undefeated in his 12 starts this season. The Seminole bullpen lost a game for just the eighth time this season despite pitching in every game except for one. After pulling Sauls to start the seventh the FSU relievers allowed five runs in the bottom of the inning.
"All year our bullpen has done a great job and it was a spot that we felt very comfortable going to get Lynch right there," said Martin.
"Our bullpen has been lights out all year and the coaches made a decision and I have to go with the same decision because they (bullpen) come in and do the job every game," said Sauls. "The bullpen is going to slip up once and a while and it just happened to be tonight. Georgia Tech is a good hitting team. I can't say enough about our bullpen though. This bullpen has saved me enough times to not put them in there in that situation."
Sauls started the bottom of the first by walking Tech's lead-off hitter and then hitting the second batter he faced. The Jackets looked like they may have their first run as the next batter sliced a shot that was falling into right center but Shane Robinson made a phenomenal diving catch to record the first out. Then FSU turned a double play, their fourth of the tournament, to end the threat.
Georgia Tech starter Blake Wood gave up the first hit of the game in the top of the third to FSU's first batter of the inning Josh Spivey. It was the second straight inning a Seminole lead-off hitter reached base after Aaron Cheesman got on due to an error in the top of the second. Ryne Jernigan moved the runner into scoring position on a sac bunt. A two-out wild pitch moved Spivey to third but the Seminoles were unable to plate the run.
Sauls gave up his first hit of the game in the third as well. It came with two outs and a runner on second. The slow chopper to third put Jackets on the corners and then a stolen base moved both runners into scoring position. Sauls' third walk of the game loaded the base but the junior got out of the jam on a ground ball to short.
For the third straight inning FSU put its lead-off hitter aboard as Ryne Malone drew a walk to start the inning. Gibbs Chapman followed with a walk but a strikeout and double play once again ended a potential Seminole rally.
Shane Robinson led off the sixth with a single and then swiped his 44th base of the season moving him into third place for single season steals. The sophomore All-American moved to third on a ground out leaving FSU in need of a two-out hit to break the scoreless tie and senior Aaron Cheesman delivered. The senior flared a shot into right field making it a 1-0 game. It was the 49th RBI of the season for the catcher and the 130th of his career.
The Jackets fought right back and after recording just one hit through five innings, Sauls gave up back-to-back one out hits in the sixth. A hit batter, his third of the game, then loaded the bases with just one away. The hurler got a huge out on a strikeout swinging and then dashed the Jacket's hopes on a hard hit grounder to second that Tony Thomas, Jr. flipped to second from his knees.
Jack Rye opened the seventh by doubling down the right field line. Ryne Jernigan then drove the run in with an RBI single to shallow right field extending the lead to 2-0. Thomas was then hit by a Wood pitch as FSU looked to add more insurance to their lead. A walk loaded the bases up as Wood continued to struggle with his control and was replaced on the hill by ACC Freshman of the year Matt Wieters (3-2). Malone greeted the rookie by lining a 3-2 pitch right up the middle plating two more runs and making it a 4-0 game. Cheesman drew a two-out walk loading the bases once again but this time Wieters got the out and ended the three-run inning.
Lynch relieved Sauls after his best outing of the year and promptly gave up back-to-back base hits. The first was a close call at the bag on a slow roller fielded perfectly by Thomas. Another ball hit through the infield ended the FSU shutout bid making it a 4-1 game with runners on the corners and still just one away in the inning. A ground out at second gave Lynch his second out of the inning but also plated the Yellow Jacket's second run. Matt DiBlasi (1-2) followed Lynch in hopes of getting the final out of the seventh. The junior's first four pitches were all balls as he put the tying run on base. Steven Blackwood then recorded Tech's fourth hit of the seventh as he poked a 3-2 DiBlasi offering through the left side of the infield as the Jackets inched one run closer to tying the game. Tech then tied the game as another single, this one into right field, made the score 4-4. Another base hit completed the Jacket comeback as a single up the middle made it a 5-4 Tech advantage. That ended the night for DiBlasi and brought Chambers into the game who ended the seventh with a ground out to third.
Robinson singled to left field with one away in the ninth as FSU tried to tie the ballgame against Wieters but the Seminoles were unable to get Robinson past first base.
Tomorrow's game with Wake Forest will be available on a live video broadcasts along with Steve Melewski's live radio broadcast available on WFLA locally and on the Internet at seminoles.com.
NAME POSITION AB R H RBI BB SO PO A
======================= ======== == == == === == == == ==
Shane Robinson CF 4 1 2 0 1 1 1 0
Ryne Malone 3B 4 0 1 2 1 2 1 2
Gibbs Chapman LF 5 0 1 0 0 2 0 0
Aaron Cheesman C 3 0 1 1 1 1 4 1
Danny Wardell 1B 4 0 0 0 0 1 12 0
Jack Rye RF 4 1 1 0 0 1 1 0
Josh Spivey DH 4 0 1 0 0 1 0 0
Ryne Jernigan SS 3 1 2 1 0 1 3 3
Tony Thomas 2B 2 1 0 0 0 2 2 6
Brant Peacher PH 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Mark Sauls P 0 0
Kevin Lynch P 0 0
Matt DiBlasi P 0 0
Brian Chambers P 0 0
Barret Browning P 0 0
========================
FSU 34 4 9 4 3 12 24 12
Opp 32 5 10 5 4 3 27 9
E - Opp-1
2B - Opp-1, FSU-Jack Rye (12)
HBP - Opp-3, FSU-Tony Thomas (13)
SH - FSU-Ryne Jernigan (9)
SB - Opp-1
CS - Opp-1
NAME IP H R ER BB SO
============================== ==== == == == == ==
Mark Sauls 6.0 3 0 0 3 2
Kevin Lynch 0.2 3 3 3 0 0
Matt DiBlasi L (1-2) 0.0 3 2 2 1 0
Brian Chambers 0.1 0 0 0 0 0
Barret Browning 1.0 1 0 0 0 1
===================
FSU 8.0 10 5 5 4 3
Opp W 9.0 9 4 4 3 12
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida State | ||||||||||||
| Georgia Tech |
JACKSONVILLE, FL - For the 14th straight year the Seminoles are one of the final four teams remaining at the ACC Baseball Championship. Thanks to the best performance of Michael Hyde's career and seven runs from the offense, the 13th-rnaked Seminoles advanced to the semi-finals with a 7-3 victory over Wake Forest (28-30). Florida State also wrapped-up its 22nd season with 50 or more wins in 26 years under head coach Mike Martin's tenure as the Seminoles improved to 50-17.
Hyde (7-2) was spectacular going a career high 7 2/3 innings without allowing an earned run. He gave up nine hits and issued only one walk. He also fanned six Wake Forest batters, which was one short of a career high. He threw 128 pitches on the night and came within one out of becoming just the second FSU pitcher this season to throw eight innings in a game.
"Mike Hyde really was a big shot in the arm for us tonight," said Martin. "For him to go out there and pitch like he did with a lot at stake really shows great character and I am proud of the way he pitched."
"I found out this morning at breakfast I was going to throw tonight," said Hyde. "I was excited. I have been pacing back and forth waiting to get out there. I got chill bumps when I got out to the mound tonight. I was so nervous I thought I was going to fall down running out there. I knew I had this in me. It is probably the best outing I have had all year. I felt like I had good stuff tonight."
The victory sets up a rematch between FSU and No. 7 Georgia Tech at 1:00 p.m. The team's met Thursday and Tech used a five-run rally in the seventh to down the Seminoles 5-4. It was Tech's fourth straight win over FSU this season. Florida State would have to beat the Jackets twice tomorrow to advance to Sunday's single game finale. Last season in a similar scenario Florida State downed Georgia Tech twice on the final day of the tournament to win the ACC Title.
"Certainly the players that were a part of this team last year have in the back of their mind what happened but they also know how difficult it will be," said Martin. "Tomorrow we know we have our work cut out for us. To get to the finals is going to be an unbelievable challenge. We have arms available and we are not thinking about a second game. We are thinking about trying to win that first one."
Florida State's defense got them in trouble in the top of the first versus the Deacons. Hyde got the first two outs on K's but an error on a grounder to third gave Wake new life and they cashed in. DH Ryder Mathias laced an RBI double to left field making it a 1-0 game. Brendan Enick then sent a single up the middle extending the Deacon's lead to 2-0.
"Some things went wrong in the first inning but I knew I was out there and it was going to be on my shoulders," said Hyde. "I knew my team needed a good long outing to conserve our bullpen for tomorrow. I just wanted to go out and do the best I could."
The Demon Deacons tried to add to their lead in the second with another two-out rally. Back-to-back two-out singles put runners on the corners. A stolen base moved both runners into scoring position before Hyde's first walk of the game loaded the bases. A pop up to short ended the threat though.
Danny Wardell halved the Wake Forest lead in the bottom of the second as the Seminole's first hit of the game left the park. It was Wardell's ninth home run of the season and FSU's first of the ACC Tournament. Brant Peacher walked and then moved to third after Jack Rye's 13th double of the season. A wild pitch moved the runners up and tied the game at 2-2. The Seminoles then moved in front on a sac fly as Tony Thomas, Jr. plated his 28th RBI of the season.
Wake Forest opened the bottom of the third committing their first error of the game. A walk to Aaron Cheesman then put two Seminoles on board with nobody out. After recording the first out of the inning, Deacon starter Kip Byrum (3-2) walked the bases loaded. Another walk forced home FSU's fourth run of the game. That brought Tim Morley into the game as the new Deac pitcher and he got Wake out of the jam as FSU left the bases loaded.
Shane Robinson drew a lead-off walk to open the fourth and then swiped his 45th base of the season. Ryne Malone then drove the run home on his 21st double of the season upping the FSU lead to 5-2. Cheesman then drove in another FSU run as he sent a sharply hit ball to short but Malone beat the throw to the plate as the FSU lead grew to 6-2.
Wake cut into the lead in the top of the fifth when an error once again extended the inning. Then a one out single made it a 6-3 game. The Deacons went on to load the bases against Hyde with two away but the sophomore fanned his sixth batter of the game to end the top of the fifth.
Robinson started the bottom of the sixth by lacing a triple down the right field line. The first team All-American then came home without the aid of a hit as he scored on a wild pitch giving FSU more than enough of a cushion for Kevin Lynch who finished off the final 1 1/3.
Tomorrow's game with Georgia Tech will be available live on Comcast Sports Southeast, which is located on Comcast Cable channel 26 in Tallahassee. CSS will also broadcast FSU's 7:00 p.m. game if the Seminoles down Georgia Tech in the 1:00 meeting. Steve Melewski's live radio broadcast will also be available on WFLA locally and on the Internet at seminoles.com.
NAME POSITION AB R H RBI BB SO PO A
======================= ======== == == == === == == == ==
Shane Robinson CF 3 2 2 0 1 0 6 0
Ryne Malone 3B 5 1 1 1 0 4 1 1
Gibbs Chapman LF 4 1 0 0 0 0 1 0
Aaron Cheesman C 2 0 0 1 2 0 6 0
Danny Wardell 1B 4 1 1 1 0 2 7 0
Brant Peacher DH 2 1 0 0 2 1 0 0
Jack Rye RF 3 1 2 1 1 1 2 0
Ryne Jernigan SS 3 0 0 0 1 1 1 5
Tony Thomas 2B 3 0 0 1 0 1 3 1
Michael Hyde P 0 2
Kevin Lynch P 0 0
========================
FSU 29 7 6 5 7 10 27 9
Opp 39 3 10 3 1 6 24 6
E - Opp-1, FSU-Ryne Malone (7), Ryne Jernigan (21)
2B - Opp-2, FSU-Ryne Malone (21), Jack Rye (13)
3B - FSU-Shane Robinson (4)
HR - FSU-Danny Wardell (9)
HBP - Opp-1, FSU-Shane Robinson (10)
SH - FSU-Gibbs Chapman (9)
SF - FSU-Tony Thomas (2)
SB - Opp-1, FSU-Shane Robinson 2 (45)
NAME IP H R ER BB SO
============================== ==== == == == == ==
Michael Hyde W (7-2) 7.2 9 3 0 1 6
Kevin Lynch 1.1 1 0 0 0 0
===================
FSU 9.0 10 3 0 1 6
Opp L 8.0 6 7 6 7 10
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wake Forest | ||||||||||||
| Florida State |
JACKSONVILLE, FL - Florida State's run in the ACC Baseball Championship came to an end Saturday as the seventh-ranked Yellow Jackets beat FSU (50-18) for the fifth time this season. The 18-2 loss in the seven-inning game was FSU's worst loss since a 21-5 defeat to Georgia in 1982. With the victory Georgia Tech (41-16) became just the fourth school ever to beat the Seminoles five times in one season. Hunter Jones (4-3) took the loss for FSU as the team stranded 10 base runners and committed four errors behind him.
"All season we have done a good job of making the routine plays and making the tough plays look easy," said Ryne Malone. "This weekend it seemed a little tougher. We did the best we could out there we just didn't make some plays. A lot of the mistakes happened with two outs unfortunately."
"I felt like I threw a rock at the window of a church and got punished for it," said FSU head coach Mike Martin. "That was an old fashioned whipping; beat us in every area. It was just one of those days. It started off bad but you have to be able to roll through it and be ready to go. I will be anxious to see what tomorrow holds."
Georgia Tech pounded out 14 hits and scored the most runs a team has scored on FSU since Clemson scored 18 versus the Seminoles May 3 of last season. Only half the runs the Yellow Jackets scored were earned though due to the four errors.
"That is the best offensive club we have seen this year. No question about it," said Martin. "I think this shows you the strength of our league. Georgia Tech certainly got it done today."
The Jackets got off to a good start versus Jones (4-3). Although the junior got ahead of the first two batters 0-2 and 1-2 both got hits. The first was a sharply hit single past the shortstop and the second a towering double over the head of the center fielder. Tech then scored the game's first run on a ground out to second base that also moved the runner to third. Another hard hit grounder to second base scored a run as Tech went up 2-0.
Shane Robinson tried to start a rally for the Seminoles in the bottom of the first by leading off with a single into right center. Robinson was caught stealing on a bizarre play where Malone swung at a 3-1 pitch and the first team All-American stopped running between the bases maybe thinking Malone fouled the pitch off. Robinson was easily put out on the play. It was a costly mistake as he would have easily swiped the base and most likely come home when Malone followed with a single to right center.
Florida State got into more trouble in the second inning. An error, a walk and a sac put runners on second and third with nobody out. Tech then went up 3-0 as they scored their third consecutive run on a ground out. The Yellow Jacket's fourth run came home on an infield squib hit down the third base line.
Danny Wardell started the second by drawing a lead-off walk from Tech starter Ryan Turner but a double play wiped the runner off base. It was the second straight inning FSU put the lead-off man aboard only to see him wiped off the bases.
Another two-out error cost FSU has been the case most of the week in Jacksonville. After an errant throw to first where Wardell was pulled off the bag but seemed to tag the runner out anyway, Tech got a hit and a walk to load the bases and eventually went on to score seven runs in an inning that should have been over.
"I thought he was safe," said Martin. "They took advantage of that. That's what they do a good job of. Good teams take advantage of mistakes."
"I knew I tagged him but I didn't know if the tag beat him because of the angle," said Wardell. "I tagged him on the back and it is up to the umpire to make the call. I don't know if the tag was in time or not. He ruled that the runner reached the bag before I tagged him."
A wild pitch then moved all the runners up a base while scoring the fifth run of the day. Catcher Andy Hawranick then dealt the big blow with a three run homer over the right field wall making it an 8-0 Tech lead. After Jones gave up a single to the next batter, he was lifted in favor of Barret Browning who was scheduled to start game two on Saturday if FSU got that far. Things didn't get any better though as Browning walked the first batter he faced and then gave up a three-run home run making it an 11-0 Tech lead.
The Seminoles got on the board in the bottom of the third. Robinson drew a two-out walk and then Malone continued his solid tournament by doubling home the run. Turner then went on to walk the next two batters loading the bases up but a strikeout looking ended the threat.
In the bottom of the fifth, Malone led off with a walk and Gibbs Chapman followed suit with a single. A fly out moved the runner to third and a passed ball scored him making the score 11-2. Turner's sixth walk of the game put runner's on first and second and then FSU loaded the bases again on a Jack Rye chopper over the mound. New Yellow Jacket pitcher Jared Hyatt (4-3) got the next batter swinging for strike three then another K looking ended an inning with the bases loaded as FSU's stranded its seventh, eighth and ninth runners of the game.
Tech put the finishing touches on the run-ruled game in the top of the seventh as they scored seven more runs.
Next up for Florida State will be the NCAA Regionals. This will be the 28th consecutive year FSU has been to the NCAA Tournament when bids are officially handed out Monday. Seminole fans will be anxiously awaiting Sunday's announcement concerning the 16 host sites for the NCAA Regionals. The host sites will be unveiled Sunday at 3:40 p.m. The 16 schools chosen to host will be announced on the ESPN2 Bottom Line and on ESPNews. Monday the complete 64-team field will be announced at 11:30 a.m. on ESPN. The selection show was originally scheduled for ESPN2 but has been moved to the flagship network.
NAME POSITION AB R H RBI BB SO PO A
======================= ======== == == == === == == == ==
Shane Robinson CF 3 1 1 0 1 2 0 0
Ryne Malone 3B 2 1 2 1 2 0 0 1
Gibbs Chapman LF 3 0 1 0 1 2 1 0
Aaron Cheesman C 2 0 0 0 1 0 6 1
Ruairi O'Connor PH 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Danny Wardell 1B 1 0 0 0 2 1 10 0
Danny Diaz PH 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0
Jack Rye RF 3 0 2 0 0 0 2 0
Dennis Guinn PH 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0
Brant Peacher DH 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 0
Josh Spivey PH 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0
Ryne Jernigan SS 3 0 1 0 0 1 1 3
Tony Thomas 2B 3 0 0 0 0 1 1 6
Hunter Jones P 0 0
Barret Browning P 0 0
Tyler Chambliss P 0 0
========================
FSU 26 2 7 1 7 11 21 11
Opp 36 18 14 16 6 5 21 7
E - FSU-Ryne Malone (8), Ryne Jernigan 2 (23), Tony Thomas (13)
2B - Opp-1, FSU-Ryne Malone (22)
3B - Opp-2
HR - Opp-2
SH - Opp-1
SB - Opp-2
CS - FSU-Shane Robinson (6)
NAME IP H R ER BB SO
============================== ==== == == == == ==
Hunter Jones L (4-3) 2.2 6 9 2 2 1
Barret Browning 3.1 6 6 5 3 3
Tyler Chambliss 1.0 2 3 2 1 1
===================
FSU 7.0 14 18 9 6 5
Opp W 7.0 7 2 2 7 11
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia Tech | ||||||||||
| Florida State |
TALLAHASSEE, FL - Army sophomore Nick Hill pitched a two-hit gem in the second game of the 2005 NCAA Tallahassee Regional but three Black Knight errors were the difference as No. 10 Florida State came from behind on two occasions to defeat the Black Knights 3-2 on Friday (June 3) at Florida State's Dick Howser Stadium in front of 6,025 fans.
"First, I'd like to compliment Florida State," said Army Head Coach Joe Sottolano. "They took advantage of every mistake we made. One of the things we pride ourselves in is good defense and if you look at our stats and what we've done - we have a .966 fielding percentage - it's been there. Whenever we made a mistake, they took advantage of it. They're a well-coached team. They played a good ball game."
"I'm not pleased with it (his pitching performance)," said Army's Hick Hill. "We didn't come out on top. One of our goals coming in was to keep them off base. Walking five or six people is not what I wanted to do but I mean give them the credit. They made something of it. If I was able to come through on a couple more pitches maybe the outcome would have come out a little bit different."
The victory improved Florida State's record to 51-18 on the year, while Army dropped to 38-13. Up next for the Seminoles is a 7 p.m. contest on Saturday against Auburn, who beat South Alabama 13-5 in the first game of the regional. The game will be broadcast by Sun Sports. Army and South Alabama will meet at 1 p.m. in an elimination contest.
"We were very fortunate to win that one," said FSU Head Coach Mike Martin. "Certainly a lot of credit goes to Army for the way they played. It was a game where we scratched and clawed. We played very well defensively and what can you say about the job (Michael) Hyde, (Kevin) Lynch and (Tyler) Chambliss did. They gave us a big lift."
Florida State reliever Kevin Lynch improved his record to a perfect 11-0 as he tossed two scoreless innings in relief of Seminole starter Michael Hyde. FSU closer Tyler Chambliss moved into a tie for the national lead as he pitched a spotless ninth inning to pick up his 15th save. Hill's ledger fell to 10-2 in eight innings of work, as he gave up just three runs, two earned, on two hits.
The Black Knights got out to an early lead in the top of the first against Hyde. Nate Stone sent a two-out single through the right side of the infield scoring Tampa, FL native Milan Dinga who reached on an infield single. Hyde went six innings, giving up two earned runs on six hits.
Collegiate Baseball National Player of the Year Shane Robinson started the bottom of the first by drawing a walk and moved into scoring position on a wild pitch. He then went to third on a fly out and scored on a passed ball making it a 1-1 game.
Army came right back and took the lead in the second thanks to Cole White's 10th home run of the year. Once again the lead didn't last long as the Seminoles evened the game in the bottom of the inning. Danny Wardell drew a walk, was sacrificed to second and then scored on FSU's first hit of the game as Brant Peacher singled past first base scoring Wardell.
Hill responded by retiring the next 12 FSU batters in a row before Ryne Malone singled in the bottom of the sixth as neither team was able to score for four straight frames after posting runs in each half of the first two innings.
The Seminoles broke the tie by scoring without the benefit of a hit for the second time in the game. Hill's fourth lead-off walk came back to haunt him in the seventh. A sacrifice and back-to-back throwing errors to second and third base allowed senior captain Aaron Cheesman to trot home with the winning run.
"Cheesman is quick. He is not a guy that is going to run a leg in the Olympics but he's quick," said Martin. "He is not going to get off the bag quick and I am sure they were looking for a quick way to get out of the inning."
"I don't know if we call it a force (the throw to third)," said Army catcher Schuyler Williamson. "We do that (play) a lot actually. I don't feel like we're forcing it when we do that. We'll do it every pitch if he's going too far. It's not a big deal. He didn't slide. I can't account for that when I'm throwing it down there. He didn't slide and it hit him in the back. If he had slid, he would have been out. There's nothing I can do about it. I felt like I threw it well. It was the right call at the right time. It just didn't turn out the way we wanted it to."
A lead-off double and a walk put the Black Knights back in business in the top of the eighth off Lynch, but the right-hander managed to get out of the jam. On a sacrifice bunt attempt by Stone, Lynch came off the mound to throw Williamson - who doubled to start the frame - out at third. He then struck out Jeremy Stache and Chris Simmons to end the threat.
"I was hoping that he would bunt the ball to that side because I was busting off of the mound to get that out," said Lynch. "Then I was working for a ground ball to get the double play and once I struck that guy out I had a lot of motivation to get that third guy. Coach (Jamey) Shouppe called great pitches and I just threw them where we called them and the outcome was positive."
The Knights had one last opportunity to tie the game in the bottom of the ninth. A walk and a wild pitch put a runner in scoring position but a sensational play deep in the hole at short by Ryne Jernigan ended the threat.
"I have to be honest with everybody here, the first thing I thought was `get it Jerney (Jernigan) and don't let it get out'," said Martin. "Then I looked up and the ball was on its way to first. It was a big time play. I was not thinking about him throwing the guy out as much as I was not letting it get through the infield."
NAME POSITION AB R H RBI BB SO PO A
======================= ======== == == == === == == == ==
Shane Robinson CF 3 1 0 0 1 0 4 0
Ryne Malone 3B 4 0 1 0 0 0 1 5
Gibbs Chapman LF 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Aaron Cheesman C 2 1 0 0 1 0 6 0
Danny Wardell 1B 1 1 0 0 1 0 11 0
Jack Rye RF 1 0 0 0 1 1 1 0
Ryan Strauss RF 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
Brant Peacher DH 2 0 1 1 1 0 0 0
Ryne Jernigan SS 3 0 0 0 0 0 2 3
Tony Thomas 2B 3 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
Michael Hyde P 0 2
Kevin Lynch P 0 2
Tyler Chambliss P 0 0
========================
FSU 22 3 2 1 5 1 27 12
Opp 33 2 7 2 3 6 24 14
E - Opp-3
2B - Opp-1
HR - Opp-1
HBP - Opp-1
SH - Opp-1, FSU-Danny Wardell (4), Jack Rye (3)
NAME IP H R ER BB SO
============================== ==== == == == == ==
Michael Hyde 6.0 6 2 2 1 3
Kevin Lynch W (11-0) 2.0 1 0 0 1 3
Tyler Chambliss Sv(15) 1.0 0 0 0 1 0
===================
FSU 9.0 7 2 2 3 6
Opp L 8.0 2 3 2 5 1
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Army | ||||||||||||
| Florida State |
TALLAHASSEE, FL - It was all about Bryan Henry.
And really, why should the NCAA postseason be any different?
Henry, moving from third base to the pitcher's mound deep into the season, fueled Florida State's late-season charge in winning eight games. His ninth, a 4-3 victory over Auburn in the Tallahassee Regional on Saturday night, was easily the most impressive.
The sophomore went longer than any FSU pitcher in one year to the day when Eddie Cannon pitched a complete nine-inning game. Henry also struck out a season-high 10 batters.
But best of all for the Seminoles, Henry's dazzling effort put top-seeded FSU (52-18) one win away from advancing to the Super Regional. The Seminoles will face the Auburn-Army winner at 7 p.m. today. That team must beat FSU twice.
"We're in a good position, but we can't get too far ahead of ourselves," FSU coach Mike Martin said. "You start talking about this game, and you start with (Henry)... He is a guy that works very hard off the field. He definitely gets that from his mom."
The effort of FSU's ace was even better measured by more than statistics in hanging tough following a rough second inning. After allowing two earned runs or fewer in 14 of his 15 previous appearances, Henry gave up three earned runs in the second. It matched the most allowed by the former Florida High standout. It also marked the last time Auburn messed with Henry, who held the Tigers to just two hits over his last six innings.
"I thought Bryan Henry was outstanding tonight," Auburn coach Tom Slater said. "He did a great job of locating both sides of the plate and a good job of mixing it in and out. He settled down after we put some runs up on him early."
Auburn leading hitter Karl Amonite, who left with a bruised knee and sprained ankle following a collision at first, greeted Henry in the second with a shot off the right field wall for a triple. Henry, who had allowed just 15 walks in 75 previous innings, put runners on the corners when he gave Jeff Boutwell a free pass. Russel Dixon put Auburn ahead with a sacrifice fly, and Josh Donaldson followed with a two-run homer off the scoreboard. For only the second time this season, Henry had given up three runs.
"The guy who hit a home run hit a good pitch," Henry said.
And Auburn, a thorn in FSU in previous Tallahassee Regionals, was up 3-0.
But the FSU fans among the second-largest crowd in Dick Howser Stadium history needn't fret. Henry owned Auburn from that point and finished with a touch of irony by striking out Donaldson for the final out. Henry threw 126 pitches to potentially set up Mark Sauls to wrap up the regional for FSU today.
While Henry demonstrated poise, his teammates showed great patience and a bit more productivity at the plate than the night before against Army. FSU matched eight walks with eight hits after picking up just two hits on the opening day but still stranded nine runners to keep it close late.
The game was disrupted in the third inning when Martin complained about a person sitting in the first row who, apparently working on Auburn's behalf, had a radar gun on Sullivan. That person was seen communicating information to the Tigers' dugout in violation of the NCAA's post-season rules.
Auburn would have been better served to use a calculator in keeping up with its starter. Sullivan through 107 pitches and walked a season-high six before being pulled in the fourth. Sullivan's wildness helped erase Auburn's 3-1 lead in that inning. He walked Brant Peacher to set up Ryan Jernigan's RBI double down the left-field line. A wild pitch brought in Jernigan for the tying run. Sullivan's 99th pitch was ripped into center field for an RBI single and a 4-3 lead that FSU never relinquished. A batter later, Sullivan was gone.
FSU put the first two runners on against reliever Jared Shore in the fifth. But problems on Saturday night in getting bunts down and a double play ended the threat. That was the last time either team put fear into any pitchers.
The Seminoles scored one run in the third on Jack Rye's single. But really the night belonged to Henry.
"It was unbelievable," Henry said. "I had chills all the way through the eighth and ninth inning."
NAME POSITION AB R H RBI BB SO PO A
======================= ======== == == == === == == == ==
Shane Robinson CF 4 0 1 0 1 1 3 0
Ryne Malone 3B 4 0 1 1 0 0 0 2
Gibbs Chapman LF 2 1 1 0 2 0 2 0
Aaron Cheesman C 2 0 0 0 2 0 10 1
Jack Rye RF 3 0 2 1 1 0 2 0
Ryan Strauss PR-RF 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Danny Wardell 1B 3 0 1 0 0 1 8 0
Brant Peacher DH 2 1 0 0 1 2 0 0
Josh Spivey PH 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Ryne Jernigan SS 4 1 1 1 0 2 1 2
Tony Thomas 2B 3 1 1 0 1 1 1 0
Bryan Henry P 0 2
========================
FSU 28 4 8 3 8 7 27 7
Opp 31 3 6 3 2 10 24 12
E - FSU-Ryne Jernigan (24)
2B - FSU-Ryne Jernigan (5)
3B - Opp-1
HR - Opp-1
HBP - FSU-Danny Wardell (6)
SF - Opp-1
SB - Opp-1, FSU-Shane Robinson (46), Gibbs Chapman 2 (24), Tony Thomas (9)
CS - Opp-1, FSU-Shane Robinson (7)
NAME IP H R ER BB SO
============================== ==== == == == == ==
Bryan Henry W (9-2) 9.0 6 3 3 2 10
===================
FSU 9.0 6 3 3 2 10
Opp L 8.0 8 4 4 8 7
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn | ||||||||||||
| Florida State |
TALLAHASSEE, FL - Kevin Lynch's final appearance at Dick Howser Stadium was a memorable one. Playing in his last home game, the senior set a career high with 4 2/3 innings pitched as he picked up his 12th win of the season and second of the Tallahassee Regional as FSU clinched its seventh straight-trip to an NCAA Super Regional with a 10-4 win over Auburn. This is the 13th time in school history that Florida State has gone through a regional undefeated.
Florida State improved its record to 53-18 on the year, while Auburn concluded the season 34-26. The Seminoles will play Florida in the NCAA Super Regional next weekend in Gainesville. Time and dates will be announced later this week. Florida State took two of the three games between the teams this year, including the lone contest in Gainesville.
"We were very fortunate to win," FSU Head Coach Mike Martin said. "Auburn is a tremendous baseball team. This team played great baseball throughout the season, they've done it with togetherness and in a way that is the most unselfish of any of the baseball teams I've had here. This club has it. Every one of the 25 players have played role in this season."
"As always, a tremendously run regional by Florida State," said Auburn Head Coach Tom Slater. "I don't think anyone does it better. Class program, class school and we felt fortunate to be here and just very proud of our team's effort throughout the weekend. I think you got to see that the Auburn Tigers - these kids play really hard and I'm just very proud of them."
The win upped Lynch's record to 12-0 on the year as he won his 13th consecutive decision dating back to 2004. Making his 43rd appearance of the year, Lynch surrendered just three hits as he held the Tigers scoreless with two walks and four strikeouts. Taking the loss was Auburn starter Jared Shore as he made just his fifth start of the season. The right-hander gave up five runs, four earned, on four hits in just 1 1/3 innings of work.
"I just wanted to come in and work as hard as I could because I never knew when my last inning was going to be," Lynch said. "I came in with a lot of energy, it fell off a little in that last inning but I tried to battle through it. Like they've done all year, (reliever Matt) DiBlasi bailed me out and (closer Tyler) Chambliss finished it.
"Tonight was a great feeling, especially against a ball club like Auburn. It's the best feeling of my life. Coming off Mike Martin Field for the last time in my career and handing it off to my best friend is a great way to go out."
Florida State got off to a quick start against Shore in the top of the first. A lead-off walk and base hit put two runners aboard and then a sacrifice bunt moved both into scoring position. For the first time in the regional, FSU broke out on top as a grounder to short plated All-Regional selection Shane Robinson with the game's first run.
The Seminoles went right back to work in the top of the second as Danny Wardell led off with his ninth double of the year off the screen in right field. Wardell moved to third on a wild pitch and came home on Josh Spivey's 12th RBI of the season as he sent a single through the right side of the infield. An Auburn throwing error on a sac bunt put Ryne Jernigan on second and moved Spivey to third. Robinson then cleared the bases with his sixth homer of the season and the first three-run homer of his career, making it a 5-0 game.
"Well I go out there and just trying to not hit the pitches they wanted me to hit and try to stay focused and have a little poise up there and get a good pitch," said Robinson. "I was just thinking, get a good pitch that I can drive, something I can hit in the outfield and score a run with and I got a good swing on the ball and it went out."
Auburn cut into the score in the bottom of the third off FSU starter Mark Sauls. A single and double to start the inning put two runners in scoring position and then a ground out to third got the Tigers on the board. Sauls' first walk put runners on the corners and then a two-out homer from Josh Donaldson cut the Seminole lead to just 5-4.
Auburn reliever Michael Nix got into trouble in the top of the fifth by issuing back-to-back walks to start the inning. Jack Rye then continued his hot hitting in the regional as he drove in FSU's sixth run on a single to right field. A bunt single by Wardell scored another run making it a 7-4 game. Nix's third walk of the inning loaded the bases with just one away in the frame. Ryne Jernigan knocked in FSU's eighth run on a ground out off the Tigers' third pitcher of the night, John Madden.
After Auburn threatened in the bottom of the eighth inning, the Seminoles tacked on a pair of insurance runs in the top of the ninth. Gibbs Chapmen started the inning with a single then came around two outs later on an RBI single by Wardell. A double down the left field line from Josh Spivey plated Wardell with the final run of the game. Tyler Chambliss - the national leader with 15 saves this season - pitched a perfect ninth to secure the victory.
All nine starters reached base at least once with a Seminole making it to first in all nine innings. Playing in his last home game, Wardell led all batters as he collected a game-high three hits with two runs scored and two RBI. Robinson went 2-for-3 with three RBIs and two runs scored. Auburn's Josh Donaldson went 2-for-4 with three RBIs.
NCAA All-Region Tournament Team
Pos. Name School C Schuyler Williamson Army 1B Karl Amonite Auburn 2B Tyler Johnstone Auburn 3B Josh Donaldson Auburn SS Ryne Jernigan Florida State OF Shane Robinson Florida State OF Clete Thomas Auburn OF Bruce Edwards Auburn P Bryan Henry Florida State P Kevin Lynch Florida State DH Joel Collins South AlabamaMost Outstanding Player
NAME POSITION AB R H RBI BB SO PO A
======================= ======== == == == === == == == ==
Shane Robinson CF 3 2 2 3 2 0 1 0
Ryne Malone 3B 4 1 1 0 1 0 0 2
Gibbs Chapman LF 3 2 2 0 1 0 2 0
Aaron Cheesman C 4 0 0 1 0 0 9 0
Jack Rye RF 4 1 1 1 0 0 1 0
Ryan Strauss RF 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Danny Wardell 1B 5 2 3 2 0 1 8 1
Josh Spivey DH 3 1 2 2 1 0 0 0
Ruairi O'Connor PR 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Ryne Jernigan SS 4 1 0 1 0 1 2 2
Tony Thomas 2B 4 0 0 0 0 1 3 4
Mark Sauls P 0 0
Kevin Lynch P 1 1
Matt DiBlasi P 0 0
Tyler Chambliss P 0 0
========================
FSU 35 10 11 10 5 3 27 10
Opp 36 4 9 4 3 9 27 13
E - Opp-1
2B - Opp-4, FSU-Danny Wardell (9), Josh Spivey (5)
3B - FSU-Gibbs Chapman (3)
HR - Opp-1, FSU-Shane Robinson (6)
HBP - FSU-Josh Spivey (1)
SH - FSU-Gibbs Chapman (10), Aaron Cheesman (12), Ryne Jernigan (10)
SB - FSU-Shane Robinson (47)
NAME IP H R ER BB SO
============================== ==== == == == == ==
Mark Sauls 3.0 6 4 4 1 3
Kevin Lynch W (12-0) 4.2 3 0 0 2 4
Matt DiBlasi 0.1 0 0 0 0 0
Tyler Chambliss 1.0 0 0 0 0 2
===================
FSU 9.0 9 4 4 3 9
Opp L 9.0 11 10 9 5 3
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida State | ||||||||||||
| Auburn |
GAINESVILLE, FL - Friday night was like no other for sophomore ace Bryan Henry. Florida State's Friday night starter had won his last seven decisions and posted eight straight quality starts but in game one of the NCAA Super Regional in Gainesville the Gators became the first team to solve the right-hander in over two months. The sixth-ranked Gators got Henry (9-3) for a career high seven runs and four home runs as they took game one of the best-of-three series 8-1.
"I went out there tonight and did the same things I have done all year," said Henry. "The scouting report on me is that I am going to go out there and throw strikes and let my defense work. I did the same thing tonight as I did through out the year. If I get the chance to pitch another game this season, I will do the same thing I did tonight.
"You can't say enough about the way they played tonight. Their energy level was high and the fans were terrific for them. They put some good swings on some good pitches. It seemed like everything was going their way and that is what happens when you get that combination."
After allowing just one run through the first three innings, a solo home run, Henry got touched up for three runs in each the fourth and the fifth innings. It was the third time in the last two games that Henry had surrendered three runs in an inning. He had only done that once all season prior to NCAA Tournament play. All seven runs Henry allowed came with two outs in an inning and three came via back-to-back-to-back homers in the fifth.
"Talk about being on an island," said Henry when talking about the fifth inning. "You feel like you are out there all by yourself and there is nothing you can do. One pitch was in a good spot and then one was just a bad pitch on my part but I just felt like I was out there all by myself."
Henry didn't get much help from his offense as Gator starter Tommy Boss (8-4) was totally in command throughout the game. He threw the first complete game of the season versus the Seminoles despite allowing seven hits and fanning just three batters. He held FSU to its lowest run total in its seven Super Regional appearances tying a one-run effort in a 3-1 loss to Notre Dame in 2002.
"Tonight was the Tommy Boss show," said FSU head coach Mike Martin. "That was just a beautiful job of pitching. He spotted his fast ball to both sides of the plate and just totally dominated us. Sometimes you just have to take your hat off to the guy."
Neither team could break through against the others ace until the bottom of the third when the Gators struck the first blow. Jeff Corsaletti sent the first pitch he saw from Henry over the fence in right center. It was just the seventh homer allowed by Henry up to that point and the fifth that was a solo shot. The blast was the fourth for Corsaletti in the NCAA Tournament.
The Gators staged another rally versus Henry in the fourth as a walk and double put two runners in scoring position. Henry got the second out on a foul ball out to first and looked to be out of the jam when he sawed off Justin Tordi but the short pop up dropped in between the pitcher's mound and second base making it a 2-0 Gator lead. The sophomore hit the next batter he faced loading the bases for Tallahassee native Gavin Dickey who hurt his hometown squad with a two-run single to left field. The four runs allowed were the most Henry has allowed in any appearance in 2005.
Danny Wardell erased the zero off the board for the Seminoles in the top of the fifth with a solo shot over the fence in left field to lead off the inning. It was his 10th home run of the year tying him for the team lead. It was his second home run of the season versus the Gators with both coming in Gainesville.
Florida got the run right back in the bottom of the fifth and more as they continued to use the long ball. The Gators hit three straight home runs off Henry, all solo shots, to extend their lead to 7-1. It was the first time the Gators hit back-to-back-to-back homers since 1998.
"Their hitters were very aggressive and had some very good swings," said Martin. "The last time I can remember a team hitting three straight homers off of us was against Arkansas in a regional tournament in 1985. It was before we had a screen (in right field). The next year we put the screen up."
The Seminoles and Gators will continue their Super Regional Saturday, June 11 at 7:00 p.m. The game can be seen live on ESPN2 in Tallahassee. Live Stats will be available at NCAASports.com along with Steve Melewski's live radio broadcast available on WFLA locally and on the Internet at seminoles.com.
NAME POSITION AB R H RBI BB SO PO A
======================= ======== == == == === == == == ==
Shane Robinson CF 4 0 0 0 0 0 6 0
Ryne Malone 3B 4 0 1 0 0 2 0 0
Gibbs Chapman LF 3 0 1 0 1 0 0 0
Aaron Cheesman C 4 0 1 0 0 0 5 0
Ryan Strauss PR 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Jack Rye RF 4 0 1 0 0 0 1 0
Danny Wardell 1B 4 1 1 1 0 1 2 1
Josh Spivey DH 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Ryne Jernigan SS 3 0 2 0 0 0 4 2
Tony Thomas 2B 3 0 0 0 0 0 5 2
Bryan Henry P 0 0
Hunter Jones P 1 0
Brian Chambers P 0 0
========================
FSU 32 1 7 1 1 3 24 5
Opp 34 8 10 8 2 5 27 17
E - Opp-1, FSU-Ryne Malone (9)
2B - Opp-1, FSU-Jack Rye (14)
HR - Opp-4, FSU-Danny Wardell (10)
HBP - Opp-1
CS - FSU-Ryne Malone (8)
NAME IP H R ER BB SO
============================== ==== == == == == ==
Bryan Henry L (9-3) 5.0 7 7 7 1 3
Hunter Jones 2.0 2 1 1 1 1
Brian Chambers 1.0 1 0 0 0 1
===================
FSU 8.0 10 8 8 2 5
Opp W 9.0 7 1 1 1 3
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida State | ||||||||||||
| Florida |
GAINESVILLE, FL - In a season where Florida State's roster was filled with 26 of 34 players who had one year or less of D1 experience, Mike Martin's ball club racked up 50-plus wins for the 22nd time and advanced to the NCAA Super Regionals for the seventh straight year. It was a team that many doubted coming in to 2005 but the Seminoles once again found themselves as one of the last 16 teams still playing baseball in June. But the dream of getting to the program's 19th College World Series came to an end in Gainesville Saturday night as the seventh-seeded Gators eliminated ninth-ranked FSU (53-20) from the postseason 8-5.
"I am of proud of this team because we did something that nobody thought we could do at the beginning of the year," said fifth-year senior and two-time captain Aaron Cheesman. "Nobody thought we would finish in the top four of the ACC. Nobody thought we would get out of a regional, much less host it or play Florida in a Super Regional. It is disappointing for me to be here five years and not go to Omaha. Coming in I thought I would go two or three times but it just wasn't meant to be. This team is going to be outstanding next year. I would watch out for this team."
"I have never enjoyed this more than I did this year with this group," said FSU head coach Mike Martin. "We had outstanding senior leadership. I really and truly don't believe I have ever had a better team. They pull for each other and in my estimation it was a very enjoyable and good year."
The Gators used a four-run top of the first to get out to a quick lead and every time FSU narrowed the gap, at one point making it a 5-3 game, Florida answered. When UF put up three runs in the top of the sixth, the young Seminoles just couldn't seem to find a way to fight back one more time but as they have done all season they mounted one last rally sending the tying run to the plate in the bottom of the ninth. They just couldn't get the big hit they needed at the end.
"I am very proud of our team that they continued to fight," said Martin. "We were down five in the ninth and got the tying run to the plate. Jack (Rye) got a very good swing at it but hit it right to them."
In their last games in Garnet and Gold, Danny Wardell, Gibbs Chapman and Aaron Cheesman each recorded a hit. Chapman upped his team-leading RBI total to 65 with two and Cheesman had two to up his career total to 124.
FSU starter Mark Sauls suffered his first loss as in a starting role since April 24, 2004. He lasted just 2/3 of an inning giving up four runs as he fell to 6-2 on the season. Alan Horne (9-2) won his eighth straight decision as he pitched 8 1/3 and threw 148 pitches. The junior fought his way out of jams in a gutty performance in which he gave up eight hits, five runs and five walks as the Seminoles stranded nine runners.
"He kept us off balance," said Cheesman of Horne. "We did a lot better job too. We went deep in counts and make him work. It was just the story of our year when we lost games. We left guys in scoring position. We had our chances to score runs. We left plenty of guys on base. You have to give him credit. He got the job done. Their whole team got the job done and that is why they are going to Omaha."
Florida got off to a quick start in the top of the first with three hits of which only one was hard hit. A one-out single was followed by a bloop single into shallow center that usually would have been an out but the FSU defense was playing deep with 2005 SEC Player of the Year Matt LaPorta at the plate. Then Sauls got a ball fisted towards first that was just out of reach of Wardell allowing the first run of the game to come home. A ground out scored another run and then the long ball hurt the Seminoles again. Brian Leclerc yanked the first Sauls offering he saw down the right field line and just over the wall making it a 4-0 game. After Sauls plunked the next hitter, he was replaced by Matt DiBlasi who struck out the next batter to end the top of the first.
"The first inning was a problem for us," said Martin. "The University of Florida did a very good job of bunching their four runs together and getting their runs in."
"I came out throwing the way I wanted to throw," said Sauls. "I was throwing strikes to the first batter. I threw a good change-up and that is what we wanted to establish. Things just didn't fall right for me in the first inning. The ball to center field and a check swing in the hole. Then the guy hit the home run. Things didn't fall my way and then I didn't get out of it. I battled and that was all I could do."
Shane Robinson got FSU on the board in the bottom of the first. The Collegiate Baseball National Player of the Year walked on four straight pitches and then stole his 49th base of the year. He moved over to third on a ground out and then Gibbs Chapman drove him home on his 14th double of the season. It was the senior's team-leading 64th RBI.
The Seminoles had a chance to continue to chip away at the lead in the second. Wardell continued his strong Super Regional with a lead off double off the wall in left. He moved to third on a ground out but neither of the next two FSU batters could advance him home as the score remained 4-1.
Florida State did get another run on the board in the bottom of the third. Ryne Malone recorded a lead-off single and then Cheesman drove him home. The senior sailed a double over the head of the right fielder making it a 4-2 game. Horne worked himself into a bases loaded jam with two away but the Florida hurler got Ryne Jernigan swinging on the 10th pitch of the at bat.
The Gators added to their lead thanks to two costly Seminoles errors without the benefit of a hit. The second of the two mistakes came on a two-out ground ball that allowed the fifth run of the game to score.
Tony Thomas, Jr. and Robinson opened up the bottom of the fourth with back-to-back singles of Horne. Malone moved both runners into scoring position with a sac bunt and then Chapman drove in his 65th RBI on a foul out but Robinson was put out on the play trying to move up to third ending the threat.
The FSU defense may have let them down in the fourth but they came up big in the fifth. After cutting the lead to 5-3, Leclerc laced a double down the right field line with a man on first. Jack Rye got the throw in to Thomas who threw a strike to the plate cutting down the runner at home and ending the inning.
Florida opened the sixth with a base hit and then recorded their ninth hit of the night on an attempted sac bunt that was popped up and too difficult to handle putting two runners on. Gavin Dickey then recorded his second hit of the night and fourth in the series, this one an RBI double pushing the Florida lead to 6-3 with two runners still in scoring position with nobody out. Barret Browning replaced DiBlasi and got the first out of the inning but he couldn't hold the Gators at bay as the next batter ripped a double down the left field line scoring two more runs and making it an 8-3 UF advantage. That ended the night for Browning as ace closer Tyler Chambliss replaced him. It was the earliest he has appeared in a game in 2005.
Florida State manufactured two more runs in their final at bat. Thomas hit his sixth homer of the season, a solo shot, and Cheesman singled home another run. The Seminoles then got Rye to the plate with two runners on and trailing by three but the freshman's hard hit grounder to LaPorta ended the potential rally.
NAME POSITION AB R H RBI BB SO PO A
======================= ======== == == == === == == == ==
Shane Robinson CF 3 2 1 0 2 0 1 0
Ryne Malone 3B 4 1 1 0 0 0 1 3
Gibbs Chapman LF 4 0 2 2 0 0 0 0
Aaron Cheesman C 5 0 2 2 0 3 9 2
Jack Rye RF 4 0 1 0 1 0 1 1
Danny Wardell 1B 4 0 1 0 0 2 10 0
Josh Spivey DH 3 0 0 0 1 1 0 0
Ryne Jernigan SS 3 0 0 0 0 1 2 4
Tony Thomas 2B 3 2 2 1 1 1 3 5
Mark Sauls P 0 0
Matt DiBlasi P 0 1
Barret Browning P 0 0
Tyler Chambliss P 0 0
========================
FSU 33 5 10 5 5 8 27 16
Opp 38 8 12 7 2 9 27 10
E - FSU-Ryne Jernigan (25), Tony Thomas 3 (16)
2B - Opp-3, FSU-Gibbs Chapman (14), Aaron Cheesman (10), Danny Wardell (10)
HR - Opp-1, FSU-Tony Thomas (6)
HBP - Opp-3, FSU-Ryne Jernigan (9)
SH - FSU-Ryne Malone (5)
SF - FSU-Gibbs Chapman (6)
SB - FSU-Shane Robinson (48)
CS - Opp-1
NAME IP H R ER BB SO
============================== ==== == == == == ==
Mark Sauls L (6-2) 0.2 4 4 4 0 1
Matt DiBlasi 4.1 6 4 3 1 4
Barret Browning 0.1 1 0 0 0 0
Tyler Chambliss 3.2 1 0 0 1 4
===================
FSU 9.0 12 8 7 2 9
Opp W-Sv 9.0 10 5 5 5 8
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | ||||||||||||
| Florida State |